It hardly makes for happy reading.

Huddersfield Town have lost their last three opening games, against AFC Bournemouth (last season), Nottingham Forest (2013) and Cardiff City (2012), and their last seven in succession at Championship level (their last win was 2-0 at home to Charlton Athletic in 1996-97).

And they have yet to claim victory at Hull City’s KC Stadium, having lost three times since a goalless draw on their first visit in April 2004.

Back then, both teams were pushing for promotion from the basement division.

Hull went up automatically (along with Doncaster Rovers and Torquay United) and Town through the play-offs.

Since then, the Tigers have had two stints in the Premier League, and are about to start their bid for an immediate return under former Town manager Steve Bruce.

Bruce has lost some big hitters since a 0-0 home draw with Manchester United in May condemned his side to the drop after two seasons in the top flight.

Welsh international centre-back James Chester, who has joined West Bromwich Albion, and Republic of Ireland wideman Robbie Brady, are among them.

It has taken Bruce time to bring in new blood.

Arsenal loan pair Isaac Hayden, a defender or midfielder, and striker Chuba Akpom have been on Humberside for less than a week.

And the recruitment process is ongoing, with Brentford duo Moses Odubajo, a lively winger, and Andre Gray, an 18-goal striker last season, strongly linked.

Could Town, who have had their new faces on board for longer, exploit the fact that Hull are still a work in progress?

Chris Powell certainly needs to find a way of tightening up his defence.

Last season, 75 goals were leaked in 46 league games.

And in the last four pre-season friendlies, nine have been shipped.

A clean sheet to mirror that in the sole home friendly against Deportivo would be a big boon.

That would ensure a draw, and while three would be great, one would be a decent return.