Hull City vs West Ham: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at the KC Stadium

Hatem Ben Arfa (GETTY IMAGES)

Hull City turned a few heads with their acquisitions in the transfer window. The Tiger spent big, reportedly around the £37m mark, but manager Steve Bruce will be confident that the figure is more than matched by the quality of the new recruits.

Not all his signings required big money though, and among the more shrewd deals were loan moves for Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaston Ramirez, while Tom Ince joined on a free. All three players have Premier League experience and are sure to make the Tigers’ attack an exciting prospect over the coming season. The season has got off to a decent start too, with Hull finding themselves in ninth place after three games.

The visit of West Ham to the KC gives Mohammed Diame the chance to face his former club. The Hammers have spent on their frontline too, bringing in Enner Valencia who impressed at the World Cup. Manager Sam Allardyce have not found goals hard to find this season, but will need to work on their defensive capabilities if they are to hold back Hull’s new look attack.

A win for Hull could see them rise as high as third, whilst West Ham could break into the top four with three points.

KICK-OFF: Monday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Ham United 2 (Noble, Chester OG) Hull City 1 (Huddlestone), Premier League, March 2014

Hull City 1 (Brady) West Ham United 0, Premier League, September 2013

West Ham 2 (C Cole 2) Hull City 1 (Evans), Championship, December 2012

Sam Allardyce

 

STATS…

West Ham have scored an average of 1.53 goals a game against Hull, while the Tigers have scored 1.15 in return.

The biggest win in this fixture was in 1990 when West Ham beat Hull 7-1.

West Ham have scored exactly 20 goals in their 20 games away at Hull.

Nikica Jelavic is both Hull’s leading scorer and joint most booked player, scoring twice and getting booked twice.

ODDS…

Hull City to win: 2.1

West Ham United to win: 3.6

Draw: 3.3

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 8pm.