Hull City v West Bromwich Albion: Premier League match preview

Looking ahead into this weekend’s fixture at the KC Stadium

Pepe Mel makes a gesture from the touchline (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Both teams with their heads above the dreaded drop zone go head to head this Saturday, as Steve Bruce and Pepe Mel hope to be in the top flight of English football for at least another season. However, one team’s better off than the other in terms of league position and form. Hull City have caught the eye of many people this season, not to mention they have their first Wembley appearance in the League Cup to look forward to.

Hull comfortably turned over Bruce’s former managerial side Sunderland, and will face League One outfit Sheffield United in the last four. However, Hull City league form has dipped, losing seven of their last 10 matches, including two consecutive defeats on the spin on home turf against Newcastle United and Manchester City. George Boyd will serve a three game ban for that disgraceful spit at Manchester and England shot stopper Joe Hart. Furthermore, unrest is growing off the pitch, with owner Assem Allam still persisting with the idea of changing the Humberside’s club’s name to Hull City Tigers, much to the anger of the Hull City faithful.

Meanwhile, Pepe Mel received some welcome encouragement after he notched his first win as West Brom manager, beating Swansea City 2-1 at the Liberty stadium last week. This was a much needed win, as before their win in wales, the Baggies had not claimed three points since New Year’s Day. Two wins in their last 10 is a run of form not be desired, and with the controversial departure of Nicolas Anelka after his ‘quenelle’ gesture finally confirmed, West Brom will look to finish strongly in a bid for survival.

KICK-OFF: 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS

West Brom 1 (Vydra) Hull City 1 (Livermore), Premier League, December 2013

Hull City 2 (Mendy, Fagan) West Brom 2 (Simpson, Brunt pen), Premier League, January 2009

West Brom 0 Hull City 3 (Zayatte, Geovanni, King), Premier League, October 2008

STATS

None of the last six league meetings between Hull and West Brom have ended as a home win, the last two being draws and the previous four away wins.

Just 10% of Hull’s goals have been scored in the final 15 minutes of games this season, the lowest proportion in the top flight.

West Brom have had 16 different scorers this season in the Premier League, the joint-most along with Arsenal.

WBA have conceded first in their last six matches

Hull City have seen more opponents (6) sent off than any other team in the Premier League this season.

Four of the last six Premier League goals scored by West Brom have been netted by substitutes.

ODDS

Hull City win: 2.20

West Brom win: 3.40

Draw: 3.20

TV: Highlights on BBC1, Match of the Day, 10.30pm