Premier League: West Ham v Hull City preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s Premier League fixture at Upton Park

Shane Long scored his second goal in as many games for Hull in the 2-0 win over Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

A win for Hull City will strengthen their quest to remain in the Premier League at the first time of asking. January signings Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long have hit the ground running, much to the delight of manager Steve Bruce, and the latter playing an instrumental role in helping the Tigers beat Premier League strugglers Sunderland at the weekend – providing Bruce’s side with much needed energy.

But a 2-0 home defeat against a rejuvenated Manchester United side dented West Ham’s chances of climbing up the table and further adrift of the relegation zone, with the Hammers currently positioned 14th in the league on 31 points. The Upton Park faithful will deem the Hammers next two fixtures against Hull City and Sunderland, who are all in similar positions in the league, as vital matches in order to steer the club away from any possibilities of being dragged back into a relegation dog fight.

With a trip to Wembley on the horizon morale will be high in the Hull City dressing room – ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at Upton Park - but Bruce’s men have struggled to come away from the capital with a win, having endured losses this term against Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. So with the likes of Andy Carroll, aiming to recapture his promising form at Newcastle - which proved the catalyst for his surge to selection in the England senior team, expected to lead the line for the Hammers once more history suggests previous encounters will favour the hosts to seal the win.

KICK-OFF: 19:45

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

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

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

Hull City 0 West Ham 2 (Baldock, Collision), Championship, January 2011

STATS :

West Ham boast a better head-to-head record against Hull City with the Hammers narrowly edging the Premier League newcomers with four wins as opposed to City’s two victories (W4 D1 L2)

Since the turn of the year Hull City have only won once away from home with that victory coming against Premier League strugglers Cardiff City in late February.

West Ham have scored first three times in their last three home fixtures against Hull City.

There’s similarities between West Ham’s lack of firepower at home in 2014 having only scored eight goals in the league at Upton Park, while Hull City are somewhat reminiscent of their opponents having only managed to register eight goals on the road since the turn of the year in the top-flight.

ODDS:

West Ham win: 2.30

Hull City win: 3.50

Draw: 3.25

CLASSIC MOMENT:

A memorable moment between West Ham and Hull City was in November 2009 when a pulsating 3-3 draw at the KC Stadium saw Charlton Cole net an own goal, Jimmy Bullard convert from the penalty spot and Bernard Mardy receiving his marching orders. This six-goal thriller had everything!