What a huge game. Not the greatest of teams. Undoubtedly not the greatest show on earth. However, the importance of picking up three points for both of these two sides is greater in this match than most that have preceded it.
Prior to the defeat in the hands of Manchester United last weekend, the Hammers had won three on the bounce at home. As for Hull City, their players have hardly left the confines of their own stadium in recent weeks, with Wednesday’s match being their first away from home in their last five (in all competitions). Hull won on their last time out, beating serious strugglers, West Bromwich Albion, 2-0.
West Ham have a great record against Hull in recent years, however the most recent (this season) was a 1-0 defeat for the Hammers. West Ham have won four of the last six meetings between the two sides and drawn the other.
The Hammers fans will be expecting a much superior performance to last weekend and a defeat could be extremely damaging to West Ham’s survival hopes. A win for either side will buoy them into the mid-table of security.
Team News
Just one new injury doubt for West Ham, as Matt Jarvis may miss out with a tight thigh. He joins Joey O’Brien and Marco Borriello on the injury table. None of which are catastrophic to West Ham’s credentials.
As for Hull City, they are without the suspended George Boyd, along with the injured Paul McShane and Robbie Brady. January signing, Shane Long is a doubt for Hull after being forced off on the weekend, scoring against his old club.
Prediction
The two sides would be categorised as “likely to avoid relegation” but the points are still very much needed to make that so. Just two points separate the sides prior to the clash. I would like to see a return to action for Ricardo Vaz Te and also a inclusion to the side for Pablo Armero, alongside a centre-back two of James Collins and Winston Reid.
Hull City will likely be more confident and the Hammers fans are certainly not in their usual fine voice at home under Big Sam. Hull may be able to take advantage, and I expect a tight game which can go either way. I will therefore predict a heart over head result of West Ham 2-0 Hull City. A return of the clean sheet for West Ham and also Kevin Nolan back amongst the goals.
Hull are there for the taking tonight. They’ve worked really hard this season & maybe only have a couple of wins left in them. If Hull get zero points tonight, then they still have a game before the FA cup semi final at home to Swansea & a visit to Fulham to get their 2 wins. I’d be surprised especially with the FA cup coming up, if Steve Bruce goes flat out for a win tonight. Go get em West Ham COYI!
Hull are a very different squad to the one we beat in the Championship, a lot of the current squad are players that we tried to sign and failed. Sagbo, Jelavic, Long, Huddlestone and Livermore dangerous players who can put the ball in the back of the net, we will have to be 100% better than the shambles that turned up at the Man Utd game. This and the Sunderland game are vital for our survival, we have quality so now is the time to show it, COYI !