Hull City

Manchester City V Hull City

Kick-off: Saturday 28th November – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The City of Manchester Stadium

Manchester City

League Position: 11th

Recent Form: WLLWW

Man City didn’t dwell too much on their Burnley misery just before the International break, a 3-3 draw with the Clarets at home, and, although a point against Liverpool at Anfield will be seen by most as a valuable and creditable point, everyone involved with City probably won’t be thinking the same as the 2-2 draw away at Liverpool stretched their unwanted drawing run to six games. However, you can look at this run in two ways. It can be one that’s very annoying and frustrating that City can’t seem to win a game at present, but, on the other hand, you can look at it that City haven’t been beaten in six games. The latter one sounds better but the first one is more critical so perhaps we’ll go with that one?!

Whichever statement we prefer, it shouldn’t matter all that much as this should be a three point banker for Mark Hughes and his gold plated squad. As Hull begin their trip to Manchester, those who were at the club last season, City that is, will remember Hull’s previous arrival all too fondly as it resulted in a comfortable 5-1 victory for the richest club in the world. A similar result wouldn’t be at all surprising and it certainly wouldn’t go miss given City’s recent drawing habit.

City may have drawn their previous six but just two have actually come when playing in front of their home fans, although, both were games were City had the lead at one point and blew it. They were 2-0 up against Fulham before eventually drawing 2-2, while they were a mere minute away from claiming all the spoils before Burnley scored a late equaliser in a 3-3 thriller. Surprisingly, it was City’s shocking defending that cost them big points in both and the fact that City have kept just one clean sheet in their previous nine outings is a big cause for concern considering they have spent big sums of cash on their defence in recent seasons.

Mark Hughes will be desperate to guide his squad back to winning ways and to their first home win after failing on their previous two attempts. No club wants a home voodoo to kick in and their home rut should come to an abrupt end on Saturday against a dreadful Hull City team. City are expected to win, and win well, so the only possible negative is how the City players handle the added pressure of knowing they should definitely win. We think they’ll cope well, mainly because Hull are a dire team at current, and if the City players do pass this golden opportunity up then they’ll be kicking themselves all week as their next home fixture is a game with Chelsea!

Hull City

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WWDLW

Just like Man City, Hull are surprising plenty with their recent run of results, although, Hull’s is for a good reason. A home victory over Stoke City, followed by a 3-3 draw with West Ham and a big 3-2 win over Everton, now means Hull are unbeaten in their last three league outings, an amazing achievement for a club beckoned with relegation. However, now to deflate all you hyped up Hull fans. All three of those undefeated games came at The KC Stadium, and Hull are on a dreadful away run of four successive defeats, five for the season, and have yet to record an away win.

We don’t like to rule any side out of the running before a ball has even been kicked because, more times than not, we end up looking prats. However, I would, quite literally, eat my own hat if Hull beat City in Manchester. Their away form is dire, their goal record on the road is abysmal, while their performances away from their beloved KC Stadium have left a lot to be desired. They have an 84% away losing average after losing five of their opening six away encounters, while they are shipping, on average, nearly three goals a game.

Don’t turn away just yet as it does get worse. Hull’s two most recent away outings, games at Burnley & Fulham, has seen them fail to score in both, losing 2-0, Yep, in both! On the road, Hull City have found the opposing net just four times, well below a goal a game, while they are leaking goals like a sieve. I kid you not, my local cricket team would even score a handful of goals against Hull City. Eleven games ago was when Hull last won an away fixture in the league, that being a narrow 1-0 success over Fulham, while they’ve lost on nine of their previous eleven outings. Yep, I told you it would get worse.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Manchester City W: 1 Hull City W: 0 Draws: 1

With the pair meeting for the very first time last season, it’s Man City who have taken the lead in the Head-to-Head counter after smashing Hull City 5-1 at The City of Manchester, a game which some say ruined Hull’s season and started their demise as they went on a dire run after Christmas. It was also the match which seen Hull manager, Phil Brown, give his half-time rant on the pitch in a public act of disapproval at his players below par performance. He was heavily criticised for that and we doubt fans within the City stadium will be treated to such a spectacle this time around.

Match Verdict:- Manchester City to WIN – 1.30 Boylesports

I’m setting myself up for one might big fall here but I’m very confident City will end their drawing rut against what is a dreadful Hull side. If City want to be strutting their stuff in the Champions League next season then it’s imperative that they win games of this calibre. Hull are seriously struggling, especially on the road. Their defence has been diabolical, while their attackers have actually gone lost – Let me know if you see Geovanni anywhere. City, after a morale boosting point at Liverpool, a game they probably could have won, should take all the beating here and we expect them to not only win but win at a cantor. Famous last words!

Match Odds:

Manchester City – 1.30 Boylesports

Draw – 5.50 PaddyPower

Hull City – 13.00 Bet365

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Roque Santa Cruz to Score 2 or more – 8.00 SkyBet

Hull City V West Ham United

Kick-off: Saturday 21st November – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

Hull City

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: WLDLW

The Hull City chairman was quick to dash speculation that the club will be dipping into their own pockets during January in a desperate attempt to avoid the inevitable drop. That’s bad news for not only Hull fans but also for the current gaffer, Phil Brown. The tan loving Englishman may have a fairly big squad at his disposal but actual quality is at a premium within the club. Brown has used a total of 24 players during the early part of the season, which may not seem an awful lot but considering Hull only recently got themselves established in The Championship, let alone the Premiership, is some going in terms of recruitment. 

The Tigers ended last season in dreadful fashion, win less in 10 and losing seven of those. Many would have thought the summer break would have given both the players and manager, Phil Brown, time to recover from an arduous end to the last campaign and put in another valiant early shift this time around, just like last season, but that hasn’t been the case. Hull have picked up just eleven points thus far, that’s nine points less then they amassed from the same amount of fixtures last season. When you take into consideration that not only did they finish last season in a poor manner but that they also avoided relegation by a single point, then Hull City really are a club in crisis.

Since Christmas of last season, Hull picked up just eight points and were evidentially involved in a relegation scrap. A similarly poor end to the season is more than capable going on their early performances and results so it’s imperative that Hull notch up as many points as possible before the tough winter period. The lack of quality at Phil Brown’s disposal could tell once more as it has done already with Hull falling to seven defeats in their opening 12 fixtures.

Unlike last season, Hull are obtaining the vast majority of their points at home this term, with all three of their wins this season coming at The KC Stadium. Victories over Bolton (1-0), Wigan Athletic (2-1) and recently Stoke City (2-1), has helped keep Hull afloat just above the relegation zone but now Hull are on the verge of recording what would be an extremely rare sighting, back-to-back wins. The last time Hull achieved such a feat was way back in October last year, 50 top flight fixtures ago. In fact, Hull are unbeaten at home in their previous three outings, which is already a new record for them, but as long as they do avoid defeat then Hull will stretch this unbeaten home run to four games, also unheard of.

West Ham United

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: LDDWL

Of all the teams to struggle this season it is the new and improved West Ham United under the fruitful guidance of Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke. The pair made an instant impact when they arrived at the club last season, guiding the Hammers away from the relegation zone and into European contention. However, this season is panning out just like the last with West Ham having no alternative but to acquaint themselves with the bottom three after a dire start to the campaign which has seen them win just two of their opening twelve fixtures.,

The Hammers did show signs of fighting qualities when they went on a three match unbeaten run recently, but that has since been distinguished. Creditable 2-2 draws with first Arsenal at home and then away at Sunderland, before finally ending their nine match streak without a win by beating an inform Aston Villa, 2-1. However, hopes of a revival have died down after Everton paid the Hammers a visit two weeks ago. The Toffees wasted little time going to work on a fragile West Ham as Louis Saha put Everton in front midway through the second half. Dan Gosling, a possible future England prospect, doubled their advantage just after the break, although, Everton weren’t exactly deserving of their two goal cushion as neither had been at all impressive up till that point. However, it was West Ham who put in a late show but it twas to be in vein as the absence of their best striker, Carlton Cole, was apparent.

Carlton Cole was heavily missed in the game with Everton as he has scored three times more than anyone else in the Hammers camp. Cole has six league goals to his name this season but could his make his awaited return from injury to face a rejuvenated Hull City on Saturday. That will be music to the ears of travelling Hammers fans as his sheer presence in the final third should bring about a welcome boost in not only player confidence but attacking vigour. Cole is a strong lad who can hold the ball up, something which his replacement, a young Zavon Hines, failed to do in his short stint in Cole’s shoes.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 1 West Ham United W: 1 Draws: 0

It’s honours even thus far after the pair clashed in the Premiership season for the very first time last season. Both games went with home advantage, with Hull winning 1-0 at The KC, the venue for this game, while West Ham won in a slightly more convincing manner back at Upton Park, winning 2-0.

Neither side could manage an away goal in the meetings last season so it will be down to West Ham on Saturday to end this baron away run.

Match Verdict:- Hull City to WIN – 2.95 Expekt

We cant believe what we’re doing either but Hull City get the nod in this relegation clash. West Ham had recently put together a decent run of three game unbeaten but one or two of those games consisted of a bit of good fortune and West Ham were very lucky to get something out of both the Arsenal & Fulham games. Hull, however, have put together a decent run of form themselves, especially at The KC, unbeaten in three home outings, including two wins over Stoke City & Wigan Athletic, both by a 2-1 scoreline. These are the types of game which will make or break a side like Hull and if they are to avoid what we think is the inevitable drop this season, then they will need to beat the teams suffering lulls in form.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 2.95 Expekt

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

West Ham United – 2.60 BetFred

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Hull City to WIN to NIL – 5.00 totesport

——————————————————————————————————————–

Full-Time: Hull City 3-3 West Ham United

Goalscorer(s): Carlton Cole O.G, Kamil Zayette, Jimmy Bullard (Hull City), Guillermo Franco, Jack Collison, Manuel Da Costa (West Ham United)

Hull City V Stoke City

Sunday 8^th November – 13:30 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 18^th

Recent League Form: LWLDL

Now, I’m no genius but I think it’s safe to say that Hull City are in serious trouble, both the club and the manager. Phil Brown was rapidly becoming a cult hero at the beginning of last season after a memorable start to life in Hull’s maiden Premiership season, however, since Christmas, Hull have hit one seriously long and unhealthy flat spot and have found not only wins hard to come by but points, as well. The person responsible for this drastic drop in form – Phil Brown, apparently.

Brown has become the manager of the moment as 90% of the footballing country want to see him axed due to Hull’s lack of points income. Since the season kicked into life midway through August, Hull have won just two out of eleven games, drawing two and losing seven, yes, SEVEN! In total, Hull have registered eight points from a possible 33, which is laughable to say the least and you won’t be too surprised to hear that they occupy one of the three relegation spot at present, but that could all change were they to win at home to Stoke City on Saturday.

Asking Hull City to win a game is like wishing for Jordan to magically appear in your bedroom, there’s a small chance either might happen but it’s very unlikely. However, the teams Hull have beaten this season aren’t too dissimilar to their match day opponents this weekend in Stoke City. The Tigers beat Bolton 1-0, while they beat Wigan Athletic 2-1, both came at The KC Stadium, Saturday’s venue. Both Bolton & Wigan boast some strong, muscular players, gotta be careful how that comes across, and so do Stoke, so perhaps Stoke City are the perfect team for Hull to face right now, judging by their only league successes thus far.

If you want to base your judgement on this Hull will fare this weekend then Hull fans, please look away now. However, for all you neutrals still looking, here is a brief summary of how poor Hull City have been since, like, for ages. This season, 7 defeats in 9, a 64% losing average. Last season, 19 defeats in 38, a 50% losing average. However, since the turn of the year, 12 defeats in 18, a 60% losing average. Whichever way look at it, Hull have a losing addiction right now and the statistic don’t pain a very pretty picture for Hull City.

Stoke City

League Position: 9th

Recent League Form: LDWWD

Tony Pulis felt hard done by last weekend but he will feel no pain when he looks at last season results, with Stoke recording a 2-1 victory at The KC Stadium last season, a result which basically guaranteed Stoke their Premiership status with several games to spare. Although another win over Hull at The KC won’t secure them the same fate this time around it would take them a probable 11 points clear of the drop zone, which is a lovely safety net to have for a side that only embraced the Premiership for the very first time last season.

Pulis was left far from happy with some of the referee’s decision last Saturday but it was the manner in which his troops capitulated that will have him raging the most. Stoke started the game like a steam train, racing into a two goal advantage at the break. However, the second half told a different story as Wolves pulled off the comeback of the weekend when they scored two second half goals to level to score and, in the end, take home a well earned share of the spoils in a surprisingly thrilling 2-2 encounter at The Brittania. 

That was the first time Stoke have drawn at home all season but draws have been a familiar outcome for them whenever they pay an opposing side a visit in the league. In five away outings thus far, Stoke have drawn three, won once and lost one. The defeat came at Liverpool, which was no surprise, but their draws came at Birmingham City, Bolton & Everton, teams that have struggled to find the goal recently and they’re up against another side who have find goal scoring a tough trade to get the hang of.

Stoke, especially on the road, are extremely talented in playing in a solid manner. By this we mean they don’t leave too many gaps at the back whilst, on the same token, they don’t really look too dangerous on the attack. However, Tony Pulis knows full well what his sides main attribute is, and that’s their abundance of strength & height. Stoke do generally play on the back foot in away games, with plenty of numbers behind the ball, and then look to seize on any set-pieces that come their way. This could be a very smart tactic against Hull City as 1) Hull look extremely vulnerable at the back and 2) Hull can’t hit a barn door right now.

Head-to-Head:

Stoke City W: 1 Hull City W: 0 Draws: 1

The pair are still settling into Premiership life after spending their first ever season in the Premiership last year. However, it was Stoke City who crept ahead in the Head-to-Head counter when they beat Hull City on their own patch, recording a 2-1 victory at The KC Stadium. The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at The Brittania but, all in all, Stoke boast a very health record at the home of Hull, winning on three of their previous four visits to The KC. Of course, two of those wins came when they were both competing in The Championship but it does appear that Stoke are becoming somewhat of a ‘Bogey’ team for Phil Brown & Hull.

Match Verdict: Stoke City to WIN – 2.65 Expekt.com

Stoke may have come a cropper last weekend after relinquishing a two goal goal lead at home to Wolves, but we fancy them to go one better this time around and go for the throat of a poor Hull City team. Stoke aren’t the most formidable of away sides in the league but they won’t get many easier opportunities to win on the road then a game with a dire Hull City at The KC Stadium. However, Hull will give it a good go, at least we hope so for an entertaining match at the very least, but we expect it to be in vein as Stoke aim to draw clear of the bottom three.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 2.88 Boylesports

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Stoke City – 2.65 Expekt.com

 Update: The result of Hull v Stoke was 2-1 (goals by Olofinjana, Vennegoor of Hesselink; Etherington)

Burnley V Hull City

Kick-off: Saturday 31st October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Turf Moor

Burnley

League Position: 11th

Recent Form: WLWLL

Burnley’s immaculate home record was left in tatters as Wigan comprehensively beat them 3-1 at Turf Moor last Saturday. The team have been diabolical on the road thus far so fans are hoping their side can produce the goods when called upon at home, something they failed to do last Saturday. However, will their recent and first home setback be the first of many as Owen Coyle becomes a detective this week in a bid to locate and amend all the mistakes that lead to Burnley’s weekend demise.

In all fairness, Burnley didn’t play too bad on Saturday and the 3-1 scoreline wasn’t a fair reflection on what was a very even contest between two attack minded teams on the day. That’s the thing with this Burnley side, though, they can look pretty nifty when going forward but they also look extremely vulnerable when having to back pedal, although that hasn’t really been the case when playing at home, up till now that is.  

Wigan Athletic were not only the first side to have beaten Burnley at Turf moor, the likes of Everton & Manchester United have already failed, but they were also the first to score two or more on Burnley soil, although, the signs of previous matches at Turf Moor did indicate that goals from the travelling opponents were coming. The previous two teams to venture into Burnley territory were Sunderland & Birmingham with both managing to break through what was previously an impenetrable Burnley rearguard. Although we never envisaged Wigan scoring three we still weren’t all that surprised to see the Burnley net ripple on more than one occasion as not only were Burnley starting to look a tad weaker at the back but complacency was always going to creep in at some stage and that was certainly the case on Saturday.

Still, the positives from that game was that Burnley haven’t lost their attacking potency, although some form of composure in the final third wouldn’t have gone a miss. Owen Coyle’s men spurred several decent goalscoring chances in the second half which could have altered the game significantly. However, the big negative was the injury to their number 1 goalie, Brian Jensen, formerly known as the ‘Beast’. He has been just that for Burnley this season, a beast, especially at home where he gets most of his support. If he does miss this game, which does look likely, then we could easily foresee Hull scoring on Saturday, which is terrible to hear considering that Hull aren’t far off being complete tosh.

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LLWLD

Phil Brown will eye this fixture as one his side is certainly capable of getting something positive out of, hopefully in the form of all three points as points is what Hull City desperately crave and need right now. After playing out one of the fullest 0-0 games in the entire history of football, Hull still find themselves languishing in the bottom three, although, safety is now just a point away. You maybe thinking that a draw would be an OK result for Hull but that’s not the case. Phil Brown will be eager to dive straight back onto safe ground but that’s only possible if his hapless Hull side win on Saturday at what has been one of the leanest venues in the entire league. Easier said then done it would seem.

The reason why Hull couldn’t jump out of the relegation zone with a point is because of their dreadful goal difference. The Tigers have scored a mere eight goals this season in ten outings, below a goal a game on average, while they’re shipping an embarrassingly high amount of goals at the other end. Thus far, after just ten league fixtures, Hull have already seen their net bulge on 22 occasions, leaving them with a negative goal difference of 14. They posses the worst goal difference in the league and that’s why only a win will do for Hull this Saturday.

Will Hull City get they win they will undoubtedly set out for? Well, they won’t get many easier sides to do it against but the venue is a big stumbling block for me. Oh, and of course, the sheer fact that Hull have been utter tripe this season does contribute to the fact that Burnley look a far better bet. Hull don’t boast an attack which will score plenty of goals, far from it, while their defence leaks more goals then a water through a sieve. At times you could literally drive a bus through Hull’s defence and, instead of Phil Brown licking his lips at the prospect of three easy points, it will be his opposite number digging deep for the knife and fork as Hull appear to be there for the taking right now.

We think we’ve made our point pretty clear about how we feel Hull will fare at the weekend but just to reiterate our stance on how good a punt Burnley are, here’s how Hull have fared on their travels. Hull have been on their travels five times this season, losing four and drawing the remaining one. Two of which were horrific, getting battered by both Liverpool (6-1) & Sunderland (4-1). However, Hull’s away woes haven’t come about just from this season, they in fact stretch back to March of last season. Since then, Hull have been on the road eleven times winning just the once away at Fulham, 1-0. That eleven match run consisted of one win, two draws and eight defeats. Need i say more?!

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Burnley W: 2 Hull City W: 3 Draws: 1

These two have never met in the Premiership as this is the first season in the top flight for both sides, however, Hull do edge the Head-to-Head counter after some recent clashes in the Championship. The last time these two were at loggerheads was back in the 2007/2008 season. It was the away side, Hull City, who prospered that day in a narrow 1-0 victory. Burnley did win in the previous two home encounters the two season before and they will seek inspiration from those wins ahead of Hull’s imminent arrival on Saturday.

Match Verdict:- Burnley to WIN – 2.05 PaddyPower

Not only do we envisage a home defeat here but we fancy the home side to win pretty comfortably. Burnley were the clear favourites to leave the league with their tail between their legs and, despite their impressive start to the season, they will need to beat sides like Hull, a team who are desperately lacking in form and confidence, if they are to do the equivalent of sticking two fingers up to those who doubted them. Owen Coyle’s men may have lost their 100% record last weekend but we expect them to regain their old home form of old and make an instant return to winning games.

Match Odds:

Burnley – 2.05 PaddyPower

Draw – 3.4 SkyBet

Hull City – 4.2 SkyBet

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Burnley (Half-Time/Full-Time Betting) – 3.25 Bet365

 Update: The result of Burnley vs Hull was 2-0 (goals by Alexander (2))

Kick-off: 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LLLWL

If matters were bad at Hull City before then matters have seriously took a turn for the worse after suffering yet another defeat. A trip to Fulham was never going to be easy for Hull but they never got going and they rarely troubled the Fulham goal. Hull’s defence has been leaking goals all season and Fulham were always due to score within 90 minute and they duly did so just before half-time. However, Phil Brown’s half-time rant obviously had no effect as Hull were just as bad in the second half and they were punished once more when Diomansy Kamara prodded into an empty Hull net to seal Hull’s fate and send them to their sixth defeat of the season.

Hull have already become a tad too familiar with their surroundings in the bottom three but they won’t get many easier opportunities to return to safe ground then a home game with bottom placed Portsmouth. In fact, six of Hull’s even points this season have come at The KC Stadium, both coming against sides in close proximity in Bolton & Wigan Athletic, and it’s clear for all to see that Hull with solely depend on their home form for survival this season.

Defending has been Hull’s biggest cause for concern this season, with the Tigers having already shipped a mammoth 22 goals whilst in league action. That makes for dreadful reading and to hear that they’re conceding on average 2.44 goals a game would make me a little light headed if i was a Hull fan. Fortunately I’m not, but the responsibility on getting Hull back to winnings ways, or at least picking up points, falls partly on the Hull supporters as they will need to give their players a warm reception as they come back to a happy hunting ground, sort of.

Hull need to improve in all areas of the pitch if they are to starting winning games again like last season. Their defence looks a shambles, their midfield lacks any backbone, although the return of Jimmy Bullard on Monday night was a good sight, while they have hardly been free-scoring, either. However, with that said, Hull have only failed to score once this season, that coming against Birmingham, but Hull actually scoring on more than one occasion in a game is a rare sight, just once in fact this season.

Portsmouth

League Position: 20th

Recent Form: LLLWL

Paul Hart could only watch on as his battling troops were shot down again as Tottenham fired two goals past an inform David James last Saturday. Portsmouth did pull one back and, despite a valiant fightback, they failed to reduce the one goal deficit and their one game unbeaten run was diminished by a former employee in Jermaine Defoe. Neither Defoe nor Harry Redknapp were welcomed back with open arms but that bitter feeling will need to go to one side as Paul Hart eyes up an intriguing fixture which could see Portsmouth record their second win in as many games.

Although Portsmouth still find themselves rock-bottom of the league and with just one solitary win to their name, they have been putting in some tremendous performances. They bombarded the Spurs goal on Saturday and were might unlucky not to have levelled, with Dindane the main culprit after spurring several golden opportunities. Nevertheless, that was another fixture Pompey failed to pick up any points in, the eighth time that has happened this season and it’s an aspect of Portsmouth’s game that has to be put right, immediately.

The club are already starting to get stranded at the foot of the table but their recent displays have indicated that they will have more success in the points department. Their previous three outings in the league has seen a considerable improvement in Portsmouth attacking qualities, if only they could stick one of their many chances away in a game and they might just register a few more points. It’s quite unbelievable that Pompey have managed to score just two goals in their last two games as they dominated large periods in both encounters, losing 2-1 against Tottenham and beating Wolves 0-1.

Once their scoring issues are resolved, Portsmouth should be ok, or at least good for a recovery bid. The fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the amount of chances that are being passed up in each game and, if the strikers don’t improve soon, the fans could get on their backs, something which could have a negative affect on Portsmouth’s revival.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 0 Portsmouth W: 0 Draws: 2

The pair clashed for the very first time last season and it was honours even in both encounters. They played out a 2-2 draw at Fratton Park while the affair at The KC was a stalemate, ending in a dull 0-0 draw. Who will be the first to alter the record books and record a big victory over one another?

Match Verdict:- Hull City to WIN – 2.63 Boylesports

I know we have pinpointed a change in the wind down South at Portsmouth but if Hull are to put up a fight for their Premiership status then they will need to pick up plenty more points at home. This is the easiest home fixture they will get all season and anything other than all three points will be seen as a dreadful result and a missed opportunity. However, the same could also be said for Portsmouth, as Hull have been woeful in their recent games. This isn’t one of our more confident picks but Hull to edge out a battling Portsmouth.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 2.63 Boylesports

Draw – 3.4 SkyBet

Portsmouth – 2.9 PaddyPower

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Geovanni Anytime Goalscorer – 3.4 PaddyPower

Kick-off: Monday 19th^th October – 20:00 GMT

Venue: Craven Cottage

TV Coverage: ESPN

Fulham

League Position: 15th

Recent Form: LWLLD

Fulham are another team who have yet to live up to the hype of last season, with the Cottagers currently found floundering in 15^th position, a million miles off their seventh place finish of last season. Fulham’s fixture list hasnt been the best but it has consisted of some very winnable games, with the exception of a couple of matches with Chelsea & Arsenal. Victories over Portsmouth & Everton, plus a draw with West Ham United are the positive results Fulham have to their name at the moment, hardly glistening form it has to be said.

We did see glimmers of improvements though in their last outing, that being the 2-2 draw at Upton Park, against West Ham. Fulham should have won that game and recorded their third win of the season, but their failure to concentrate for the full 90 minutes was their downfall as they let slip two huge points, two points that would have seen them head into the break several positions higher then they currently are.

As per usual, scoring is a major problem for Fulham, with Roy Hodgeson’s side only managing to score six goals thus far, just two of those actually coming at home, although two home fixtures were against Arsenal & Chelsea. Craven Cottage is certainly where their best results and the main bulk of their points will come this season but with them facing some difficult home fixtures already, they have yet to turn the Cottage back into the fortress it was of last season something that will be pivotal in how they fare this term.

This does look a fantastic opportunity for Fulham to register their third win of the season, their second at home, against a Hull side destined for relegation it would seem. However, it was Hull who took all the spoils in last years contest at Craven Cottage, beating Fulham 1-0. Will Fulham exact some revenge or will Hull become somewhat of a ‘bogey’ team for the Cottagers.

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: DLLLW

Some points at last for Phil Brown’s Hull City after previously going three games without a single points. Three straight defeats against Sunderland (4-1), Birmingham City (0-1) & Liverpool (6-1), the latter being their heaviest defeat in the Premiership, appeared to have set the relegation ball firmly in motion as Hull were starting to lose ground on those in safety. However, although it may have been just the one win, a rare one it has to be said, it was enough to keep them in touch with the teams out of the relegation zone and a win for the ‘Tigers’ on Monday night might just see them escape the drop zone and breath in some clean air for once, barring other results go their way.

However, the 2-0 victory at home to Wigan, their most recent result, doesn’t gloss over the fact that Hull are seriously struggling for form and for points. The fans have already had to endure five defeats from eight games, some of those being embarrassing at that. The defence is shipping goals left-right- centre and they currently have the worst defensive record in the league, conceding 20 goals in just eight games. That’s nearly an average of 3 goals every game.

To make matters worse they aren’t scoring enough either. They may have only failed to score once this season, that coming at home to Birmingham, but only once this term, have they found the net on more than one occasions in a game, that being their most recent success at home to Wigan Athletic. Their goal tally is currently 8-20, which makes for awful reading, and they are a side almost certain to be in the relegation mixer come May next year.

Hull haven’t won in nine away outings in the league, stretching back to March earlier this year. While on that dire away run they have shipped a whopping 20 goals, scoring just 6 in return. That’s a dreadful statistic to have under your belt and one, amongst several others, that makes Fulham a pretty stunning bet, although the fact that Hull did beat them last term is a cause for concern.

Head-to-Head:

Fulham W: 0 Hull City W: 2 Draws: 0

As we’ve mentioned in the above previews, Hull completed a double over Fulham last term beating them at both the KC stadium and at Craven Cottage, the latter is the venue for this encounter. Hull recorded a narrow 1-0 victory at the Cottage last season and they were seriously struggling at time as well, that win ending a run 11 games without a win.

Match Verdict:- Fulham to WIN – 7/10 PaddyPower

Everything bar last seasons results points towards a home win here. Fulham have the better side, slightly better form and a pretty decent home record overall. Hull have been woeful on the road of late, suffering some really big defeats while on their travels this season. Another concern for our pick is that Damien Duff has picked up a knock whilst playing for the Republic of Ireland but he should be fit for the arrival of Hull. He has been a lively character down the flank for Fulham and the fans, as well as us, are hoping he is fit enough to start for Fulham as he has been Fulham’s main source of creativity this season.

Match Odds:

Fulham – 7/10 PaddyPower

Hull City – 9/2 SkyBet

Draw – 11/4 Boylesports

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Fulham Half-Time/Full-Time – 13/8 PaddyPower

English Premiership 2009/2010

Hull City V Wigan Athletic

Kick-off: Saturday 3^rd October – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

English Premiership 2009/2010

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: WDLLL

Phil Brown conceded last weekend that, after receiving a complete and utter hammering at the hands of Liverpool, this is the worst spell in his managerial career. Hull fell to their fifth defeat of the season and now they find themselves in the bottom three, a situation many had predicted before the season even began. However, the manner of some of their defeats has been shocking, with Hull never too far away from another hammering.

The 6-1 defeat away at Liverpool last weekend was the third time this season that Hull have been on the receiving end of a drubbing, with Sunderland smashing Hull 4-1 at the beginning of September and Tottenham humiliating Hull City at the KC stadium, the venue for this game with Wigan, putting five past Hull in a 5-1 mauling. With those results in mind, it doesn’t take a genius to pinpoint where it’s all gone wrong for Hull, and that’s in their woeful defence. The Tigers have already conceded 19 goals in just seven games, that’s the worst defensive record in the entire league by a country mile. Their only clean sheet this season came at home to Bolton, a side struggling for goals as well.

Although Hull’s defence is laughable to say the least, their offence is still looking half-decent. Hull have only failed to score in one of their seven league outings this season, that coming against Birmingham City, a side with a pretty lean defence. Hull have scored against Liverpool, Chelsea & Tottenham, all quality sides and, were it not for their mediocre defence, Hull might have gotten something out of those games. The departure of Michael Turner is one of the reasons why Hull are struggling at the back but their defence has been at sixes and sevens for some time now and it’s mind boggling that Phil Brown didn’t strengthen his back line during the summer.

Hull’s league record now stands at 1-1-5 whilst their goals for and against tally is currently 6-19. Both make for awful reading and were this game to be decided on current form alone, Hull City wouldn’t have a chance in hell. However, every new game provides a new opportunity to put right a dreadful start to the season for Hull and Phil Brown.

Wigan Athletic

League Position: 10th

Recent Form: LLWLW

Latics fans must be over the moon with their recent league success. 34 games without a win over any of the ‘Big Four’ and then they strike lucky against an inform Chelsea. Not many, even us, gave Wigan much of a chance against a Chelsea side who had previously won all six of their fixtures in the Premiership. Not now though after Wigan gave Carlo Ancelotti and Chelsea one huge reality check at The DW stadium last Saturday. That was just Roberto Martinez’s second victory as Wigan manager but it will certainly be the highlight in his short Wigan managerial career thus far.

Wigan were sensational at the weekend, with the 3-1 score line far from flattering for the Latics. Some will say Chelsea were dreadful on the day but we say Wigan completely outplayed what was a lacklustre Chelsea. Wigan took their chances when they come along, although, were they a tad more clinical, Wigan could have scored a few more. The movement from the Wigan players off the ball was second to none while their forward play was jaw dropping at times. They exploited what was a lean Chelsea defence on more than half-a-dozen occasions and it really was hard to notice which side actually were the current league leaders before kick-off.

That victory for Wigan knocked Chelsea off their perch but, more importantly, it gave Wigan all three points and lifted them into the top ten as Roberto Martinez took Wigan six points clear of the relegation zone. However, that has been Wigan this season, very inconsistent. One game they can be sublime and play some glorious football, while the next they can play complete tosh. You’ll have more luck predicting the lottery then predicting which Wigan side will actually turn up on match day.

To any onlookers it may comes as surprise to hear that Wigan have yet to win back-to-back games this season, despite their classy display on Saturday. They have notched up three wins this season but with each victory followed defeat(s). Wigan surprised most when they beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park, but then the Latics went on a run of three straight defeats. However, this is a fantastic opportunity for the club to register their first back-to-back league wins of the season but, as Wigan have shown already, they’re far too unpredictable to really take seriously.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 0 Wigan Athletic W: 2 Draws: 0

Wigan won both of the first encounters between the two in a Premiership affair last season, with Wigan beating Hull both at The KC stadium (0-5) and back at The DW stadium (1-0). As you can see, Wigan crushed Hull City last season at the KC and Hull will have something to prove as they aim to avenge that humiliating home defeat.

Match Verdict: Wigan Athletic to WIN – 13/8 SkyBet

Despite their inconsistent nature, Wigan just have to be backed to beat a dreadful Hull side that couldn’t defend against a pub team. You could of drove a digger through the Hull defence last Saturday as Liverpool opened them up to score six goals, when it really could of reached double figures. Wigan have an outstanding result behind them and that should be the catalyst for them to go onto better and bigger things this season, starting with a third successive victory over Hull.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 7/4 Expekt

Wigan Athletic – 13/8 SkyBet

Draw – 12/5 SkyBet

Football-Betting.co.uk Tip: Hugo Rodallega to Score Anytime – 6/5 WilliamHill

Liverpool V Hull City

Kick-off: Saturday 26^th September – 15:00 GMT

Venue: Anfield

Liverpool are firm favourites to notch up their fourth win in succession but they’ve been far from convincing of late, although, they probably won’t need to be at their absolute best to beat an hapless Hull City, a team that held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season. A similar result would be dreadful for those on Merseyside, unless you’re an Everton supporter of course. However, that does look extremely unlikely as we fully expect this game to not only go the way of the form book but also the way of the side with far more quality within their ranks.

Liverpool

League Position:

Recent Form: WLWWW

Liverpool may come into this home fixture, their fourth of the season, with three wins under their belts, but their performance in at least two of those wins were well below par. However, like all good sides do, Liverpool did just enough to grind out the wins required to keep them firmly in the hunt for their first title in over 18 years, despite the ‘Reds’ not being at their glorious best.

Wins over Bolton (2-3), Burnley (4-0) and now West Ham (2-3), will hardly set the world alight but they are wins nevertheless and nine points that will significantly bolster their lacklustre point tally, or what was a lacklustre point tally. Rafael Benitez’s side still find themselves well off the pace of the leaders but they’re slowly and surely getting into the gear needed to remain intact with the early pacesetters.

Fernando Torres stole the show in Liverpool’s 3-2 win away at Upton Park against West ham. For the first time this season, Fernando Torres looked his pacey, workmanlike self, which made a change from the lazy Spaniard we’ve been watching in recent weeks for Liverpool. His two goals were both sublime finishes, especially his first solo effort, and that should give him bags of confidence as he heads into a game where he could score a hat full of goals.

However, although Liverpool did look a lot more clinical in the final third last week, their defensive frailties were there for all to see. Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel looked lost at times, with the pair showing no signs of communication nor did they even appear to be on the same wavelength. The pair gave the ball away on countless occasions from defence and they were duly punished in conceding two goals. Zonal marking is just the root of a big problem for Liverpool in defence this season, with the normally watertight Liverpool having already shipped nine goals in six games. That’s unheard of for any Liverpool team in recent seasons and it’s an issue that needs to be rectified sooner, rather than later.

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: LWDLL

The alarm bells are already ringing down at The KC stadium, despite the season being just six games old. One win in six comes as little surprise when you consider that Hull went as many as eleven games without a win in the latter part of last season. However, Phil Brown did guide Hull to survival last term but that was mainly due to their stunning start. They’ve haven’t made a fruitful start this time around and the dreadful form which nearly sent them back down to the Championship at the latter part of last season has crept back into their play, with Hull registering just four points from a possible eighteen.

Form is crucial in any league as with positive results comes positive morale, something the Hull players are clearly lacking at this moment in time. They’ve now lost two on the bounce and this daunting trip to Anfield looks almost certain to produce another fruitless 90 minutes for the Tigers. However, Phil Brown’s players will take great confidence from the fact that they did manage to frustrate Liverpool at Anfield last season, earning a memorable point in a 2-2 draw on Merseyside. However, you can get on 2-2 at as big as 45/1 with SkyBet, which just reiterates how unlikely Hull recording a similar result this time around is.

Hull’s problems is mainly down to no confidence, as they do posses a few players who do actually look dangerous and half-decent. That’s the thing with Hull, because of Phil Brown’s attacking intent and mindset, all the limelight shines on their forwards, so when Hull do flop, which is more often then not, the forwards get the brunt of the blame. However, the acquisition of Jozy Altidore appears to be a shrewd capture as his strength and vision on the ball could bare fruit for Hull this season. While Kamel Ghilas, their other newest capture, has also looked a handful in recent outings for Hull, whereas the rest of the side have looked ordinary at best.

Hull appear to be in a catch twenty-two here. Playing on the front foot will be dicing with death while, on the other hand, Hull aren’t capable of putting men behind the ball, harassing the opposition and defending for the full 90 minutes. That’s just not in Hull’s nor Phil Brown’s repertoire. That will now leave Hull having to, or attempting ,to play attacking football, leaving them exposed and vulnerable at the back. For a Hull side that shipped four goals in their last away outing away at Sunderland, that looks a potentially catastrophic tactic.

Head-to-Head:

Liverpool W: 1 Hull City W: Draws: 1

Hull were a nuisance side for Liverpool last season when the pair clashed for the very first time in a Premiership fixture. Liverpool did record a 3-1 victory at The KC stadium but Hull did manage to hold Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at Anfield, with Hull actually blowing the lead twice in that game. However, Hull were riding on the wave of their immense start to the season when they pulled off that surprise draw and we will stick our neck on the line and say Hull have no chance of holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw this time around.

Match Verdict: Liverpool to WIN – 1/6 SkyBet

It will come as no surprise that we’re backing Liverpool to make it four from four at the expense of a Hull side struggling for form. Liverpool come into this game off the back of three victories while Hull have the horrors of another home defeat against Birmingham fresh on their minds. The momentum is with Liverpool, they certainly have more than quality to handle whatever Hull will throw at them and they should cruise to a comfortable victory at home against a hapless Hull City.

Match Odds:

Liverpool – 1/6 SkyBet

Hull City – 18/1 Bet365

DRAW – 6/1 PaddyPower

Football-Betting.co.uk Tip: Liverpool to Score 3 or more goals – 10/11 SkyBet

Hull City V Birmingham City

Kick-Off: Saturday 19^th September – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The KC Stadium

Hull City

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: LLWDL

Hull were attracting a lot of market support at the start of the season but for all the wrong reasons. After ending the latter part of last season in dreadful form, many had Hull City down as relegation bankers and their early displays won’t have deterred any of their loyal relegation backers. After losing at the weekend to Sunderland, in a resounding manner, Hull have now lost three of their opening five fixtures, adding just four points to their relegation cause.

Phil Brown watched on the sidelines as his Hull side were on the wrong end of a 4-1 mauling at Sunderland, a result which now leaves Hull flirting with the relegation. The Tigers are currently one point above the red and a defeat at home to Birmingham, a team on the same amount of points as them, would almost certainly see them fall into the bottom three. However, they do have a very winnable fixture in the form of a home game with Birmingham City, another side who are expected to be thereabouts come the very end of the season, so you could say this is a potential six pointer between two sides desperate to get their hands on any points that may come their way.

Hull City’s one and only league victory did come at this very same venue, the KC stadium, the home of Hull. They did just enough to grind out a narrow 1-0 victory against Bolton, however, they were smashed off the park by Tottenham Hotspur in their only other game at home, losing 5-1.

On their day, Hull can be a very good side although they do have occasions, more often than not, when the players simply fail to show up. If you do have any intentions of backing Hull in this game then you’re basically dicing with death in terms of predicting whether Hull actually want to win this game.

Birmingham City

League Position: 15th

Recent Form: LWDLL

Birmingham City may have just four points to their name after five games but we haven’t lost faith in their bid to avoid the drop this season. We’ve seen more than enough to assure us that Birmingham will put up a real fight for their Premiership status and, although they did eventually go down at home to Villa at the weekend, their performance against Aston Villa, mainly in defence, should give manager Alex McLeish a lot of positive thoughts to ponder.

Right, now down to the negatives… scoring goals. Birmingham have found the opposing net just twice in five outings. A terrible statistic which can only get better, you would hope. The biggest concern is that their fixtures haven’t been all that hard in terms of games they could of found the goal in. They were never fancied to put up much resistance away at Man Utd & Tottenham, losing 1-0 and 2-1 respectively, but their games with Portsmouth, Stoke City & Aston Villa were all matches were Birmingham should have asserted themselves a whole lot more in the final third, scoring just once in those three encounters.

Birmingham’s pathetic goal tally does have everyone at the club a tad concerned but their defence has made up for their goalscoring woes. In their five league outings so far Birmingham have conceded just four goals, also managing to keep two clean sheets against Portsmouth and Stoke City, both at home though.

Birmingham won’t get many easier opportunities to brace the opponents net then a game with Hull City, a team which conceded four last weekend. Christian Benitez looks a big talent but he’s yet to settle in at the forefront of Birmingham’s attack while James McFadden & Gary O’Connor have been well below par. McFadden should come good for Alex McLeish soon enough but we, amongst many Brummie fans, are holding out high hopes of Benitez coming into his own before long and regaining his goalscoring touch.

Head-to-Head:

These two sides have never met in a competitive affair since the Premiership was formed. Both will be eager to get the head-to-head record ball rolling and secure a vital victory over one another.

Match Verdict: Draw – 12/5 totesport

This fixture does represent a glorious opportunity for both sides to register some vital points and bolster their mediocre point tallies. However, neither have been in glistening form of late and this could be a massive disappointment. Both have been struggling to find the opposing the net and although both sets of players will be doing their utmost to win the game, the draw looks the most logical outcome as a point wouldn’t be a too bad result for either side.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 7/5 Bet365

Birmingham City – 12/5 SkyBet

Draw – 12/5 totesport

Football-Betting.co.uk Tip: 1-1 Correct Score – 11/2 Skybet

Sunderland V Hull City

Kick-Off: Saturday 12^th September – 15:00 GMT

Venue: The Stadium of Light

Sunderland

League Position: 9th

Recent Form: WLWL

We’re a big lover of Sunderland this term, especially under the new management of Steve Bruce, who we’ve secretly admired for a long time now. He’s had to feast on the scraps at all his previous clubs but Sunderland chairman, Niall Quinn, has unleashed ‘Brucey’ over the summer, with Sunderland’s biggest capture being Darren Bent. The former Spurs forward has already found the net twice in Sunderland colours as he aims to repay some of the £10 Million that was spent on him by Steve Bruce.

Although Darren Bent should be a sweet piece of business, the signing of Lee Cattermole from Wigan appears to be his best acquisition. Sunderland now look more solid than ever before in midfield, with Cattermole shielding a defence that still needs reinforcing, but, as a project, it’s getting there. However, while we’re on the topic of Sunderland’s defence, Steve Bruce has been dealt a huge blow with George McCartney facing a month out on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury while playing for Northern Ireland.

A decent start for Sunderland, which consists of two victories against Bolton & Blackburn, although, defeats against Chelsea, a game they were never really going to get anything out of, and narrowly going down 1-0 at Stoke City in their most recent fixture, have provided Steve Bruce with early food for thought. Six points from four games has seen them enter the top ten and they’ll be desperate to remain there. A victory at home to Hull would see them stay in the upper reaches of the table.

Hull City

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: LLWD

We weren’t too optimistic about Hull’s chances of staying up this season but after two viewings of their newest duet; Jozy Altidore & Ghilas, they’ve got us rethinking our opinion on Hull City’s chances this ther,, although, we still aren’t impressed with manager – Phil Brown. He just comes across as a manager with no leadership qualities, he loses a game and he’s still chuckling away to himself. His presence at the helm doesn’t fill us with much confidence but credit where credits due, his recent signings could prove a master-stroke.

Hull made a terrible start to the season, losing both their opening two fixtures, both against superior teams in Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. However, their fortunes did change for the better with their first victory at The KC since December last year, and a draw away at Wolves. Now they must build on their recent success but this trip up north does represent a tough test for Phil Brown’s men, especially as there hasn’t been too many changes in the squad to the side that lost twice to Sunderland last season.

Phil Brown never sets his team up with ambitions of defending for the full 90 minutes, especially against teams he knows his side can beat. Sunderland are one of those sides and we expect Hull to play an open game. They will attack whenever possible and they will create chances, that’s a certainty, although, Hull do tend to leave gaping gaps at the back and Sunderland might profit from Hull’s attacking commitments.

Head-to-Head

Sunderland W: 2 Hull City W: 0 Draws: 0

These two clubs met for the very first time last season, and it was Sunderland who enjoyed both encounters, winning 4-1 at the KC stadium, in Hull, and then 1-0 at The Stadium of light, the venue for this very game. Sunderland completed the double over Hull last season, scoring five and conceding just one.

Match Verdict: Sunderland to WIN – 5/6 Boylesports

This is a fantastic opportunity for Sunderland to register their third win of the season and they won’t get many better. Hull haven’t won on the road since March, eight away trips ago. They will of course see this as a glorious opportunity themselves but they should come undone at the back against the likes of Kenwyn Jones & Darren Bent. If Sunderland can keep it tight at the back, they should win this game with very few scares.

Match Odds:

Sunderland – 5/6 Boylesports

Hull City – 15/4 Bet365

Draw – 5/2 SkyBet

Football-Betting.co.uk Tip: Kenwyne Jones to Score Anytime – 9/5 PaddyPower