Hull

West Ham United V Hull City

Saturday, 20^th February – 15:00 GMT

West Ham United

League Position: 14th

Recent Form: DDDLW

West Ham gave their survival hopes a huge boost with victory over Birmingham City in their last outing, with that important win at Upton Park lifting West Ham out of the bottom three all the way up into 14th position. However, while that sounds great, there is just a point separating them from Burnley in 18th and defeat on Saturday would leave them vulnerable for a big slide back down the table. However, not only have they been blessed with another home fixture but it’s also against one of the poorest teams in the Premiership in Hull City, so West Ham stand a very good chance of making it two from two, what would be their first back-to-back league wins of the season. 

Goals from Diamanti, a stunningly precise free-kick, and Carlton Cole sealed a vital win over a tough opponent in Birmingham City, although it was a much needed win as West Ham hadn’t won a league game in their previous five attempts. Upton Park has been the revival setting for The Hammers of late, with Gianfranco Zola’s men going unbeaten in their last four league games at home, even managing a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the very beginning of this run. Wins, though, have been few and far between, but this does look one of their more easier remaining assignments and it’s one they cannot afford to fail in.  

West Ham should be too strong for a weak Hull City, especially now Carlton Cole is back in the Hammers fray after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He marked his return with a goal against Birmingham and looks a certainty to start on Saturday as he aims to bolster his more than reasonable goal tally of eight goals in fifteen league starts. With Benni McCarthy and Franco both doubts head of the weekends game, Cole will be expected once again to grab the match winning goals as he aims to nail down a starting berth in the West Ham starting eleven, although we think he’s a certain to be a permanent starter regardless.

It’s important West Ham build up a decent run of form in the run up to the end of the season and they have the perfect opportunity to do just that with the visit of Hull on Saturday. A win would hand them just their first back-to-back league wins of the season, which doesn’t sound at all good when you think about it, but it would greatly enhance the confidence of the players and allow them to put a few points between them and the stragglers at the foot of the table. If they play with the same effort and endeavour like they did against Birmingham City then they should have no problems. However, West Ham have been prone to non-existent displays this season and we just hope it’s a case of the former and not the latter.

Hull City

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: LDDWL

Phil Brown takes his Tigers to London this week as Hull City prepare for their away clash with West Ham United. The Hammers are a team in close proximity to Hull City near the foot of the table which makes winning on Saturday doubly important, perhaps even a six-pointer encounter. A win for Hull would even see the them storm three points clear of their relegation and match day rivals, although, a bitter defeat at Upton Park could be costly as it could end with Hull spending the rest of the week in the bottom three.

This is a relegation six-pointer for Phil Brown & Hull City as it’s one of a few away games left where getting a result isn’t exactly out of the question. It will be a stiff ask considering West ham registered a vital win in their last league outing but it’s certainly do-able, although it will require plenty of hard work and commitment from the Tigers. Hull have shown plenty of that of late, a little too much some would say judging by their last league encounter away at Blackburn where they were reduced to 10 men early on when Boatang was sent off for a flailing elbow. It was a decision which later cost Hull any chance in the game as Hull soon became overpowered and very defence minded. However, before the Blackburn defeat Hull were on a three match unbeaten run after two draws and a win. Not the biggest of streaks for some but it’s huge for a small club like Hull who will do well to get their hands on any points in just about every remaining fixture between now and the end of the season.  

Phil Brown doesn’t have bags of quality in his corner but he does have plenty of hard-working individuals who have proven in recent games alone that they are up for the fight and that they can actually compete with the better teams on their day. Since the end of January, Hull have picked up some creditable results; drawing at home to Chelsea (1-1) and then beating Man City (2-1). Of course, both did come at The KC, home of Phil Brown’s Tigers, but they were colossal results for a team which looked doomed around Christmas team but has since risen from the dead to march out of the relegation zone.

However, their away form has been their Achilles heel, with Hull having every chance of going the entire season without an away win after playing thirteen away games without winning.They’ve also lost back-to-back away games after defeats at Manchester United & Blackburn Rovers and haven’t scored an away goal in roughly 230 minutes of away action. Moreover, their blunt attacking line, one which has failed to score in seven of it’s thirteen away fixtures thus far, has managed just seven away goals all season. Shall we collect our winning on West Ham now or later, the form man said.

Match Verdict: West Ham United to WIN – 1.83 Boylesports

It’s hard to oppose West Ham now that their attacking options have been bolstered with some new, bright faces. Ilan made an instant impact when he scored at Burnley, albeit in vein, while Cole’s return brought about his first goal in nearly three months and the confidence in the West Ham camp should be sky0high after their sublime effort at home to Birmingham in their last match. Hull have shown great character in their recent games, arguably a lot more than West Ham have displayed, but their away record this season is extremely poor and it’s difficult to predict where their goals will come from. We feel one goal just might be enough to see off a weak Hull City and perhaps a tidy to NIL victory, one which would take them further up the table, could be on the cards.

Match Odds:

West Ham United – 1.83 Boylesports

Draw – 3.50 Bet365

Hull City – 4.80 Bet365

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: West Ham to score 3 goals or more – 3/1 PaddyPower

Hull City V Manchester City

Saturday, 6^th February – 15:00 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 18th

Recent Form: DDLDD

The Hull camp will be full of confidence after recently holding the league leaders to a 1-1 draw at The KC stadium – The venue for this encounter with mega-rich Manchester City. You know you’ve got one of the toughest jobs in the world when you’re having to plot a plan to halt both Chelsea & Man City within the space of a week but were Phil Brown to help Hull earn another point on Saturday, if not more, than it will give the players a huge boost in self-belief as the club head into a crucial part of the season where these final months will decide whether or not Hull have what it takes to avoid the drop for the second season running.

It was a surprise to tune in and see Hull holding Chelsea to just a draw on Tuesday night but it was more surprising to see the Tigers giving Chelsea a thorough examination especially in defence. Chelsea did spend the majority of the game on the attack but Hull weren’t just content with sitting back and defending for the full 90 minutes – No, the Tigers gave as good as they got when they did stride forward and they did actually create half-a-dozen decent opportunities to score more than their solitary one on the night. It was a sight to behold if we’re honest as it was just like watching Hull in the early part of last season when Phil Brown’s side were in ruthless form in front of goal and springing surprises every other weekend. Perhaps this stunning draw with the potential champions could help Hull transform back into the Hull of old.

Back to reality and the fact of the matter is that the impressive display at home to Chelsea was a rare good performance from Hull as they’ve generally been one of thee poorest outfits in the Premiership this season and have given just about everyone the impression that were they to avoid the drop then it will be some achievement. After all, Hull are still relegation occupants, sat in 18^th position in the table, and are still without a league win since the end of November. A run of ten games without a victory to celebrate and a poor streak which backs up their solid claims for relegation.

Hull’s valiant display on Tuesday night has thrown a spanner in the works as, had they of rolled over like many of us had expected, City probably would be our firm favourites on Saturday. However, Hull actually found quite a bit of space against Chelsea and didn’t find it too hard to create chances. Now, City’s defence has improved greatly, even in the short space of time Roberto Mancini has been at the club, but it still needs a lot of work and were Hull to play in the same manner which seen them give Chelsea a few scares then perhaps we have more of a game on our hands than we first imagined.

Manchester City

League Position: 6th

Recent Form: WWWLW

Man City got the result they set out for last Sunday but their performance at The City of Manchester was far from pleasing and it was the biggest indication yet that the Italian still has plenty of work on his hands, despite this early spell of success he is enjoying at the City helm. That victory over Portsmouth did, however, make up for their defeat in their last outing in the league – Losing 2-0 at Everton, but more importantly it kept the pressure on those chasing a top four finish as City now tower over their rivals with games in hand.

Roberto Mancini will have been pleased with the final result on Saturday, winning 2-0 at home to Portsmouth, and with Emmanuel Adebayor’s goalscoring contribution after the Togo internationals torrid experience earlier in the month in Africa. But, However, City weren’t at their scintillating best, not the impressive sort of displays we’ve been used to seeing of them in recent home appearances. They took their chances well, which so they should considering their attacking line had a £100M+ revamp over the summer, but it was in their defence where the problems arose, once again, and their defensive niggles, which appeared to have almost disappeared from sight, have unfortunately cropped up for all to see once again.

The big positive from their defeat of Portsmouth was the fact they kept their seventh clean sheet of the season and their third in six league games. However, they were fortunate to come away with a to NIL victory as Portsmouth had several clear openings to score but spurred some glorious opportunities early on, chances that would have put the South Coast side into the lead at Eastlands. Mancini’s men were let off the hook in that fixture but now he will be ecstatic with his next venture – An away fixture with Hull City as it’s an ideal opportunity to wrap up yet another victory against another relegation candidate, while there’s every possibility that another City clean sheet could be in the offing.

With City still lagging behind the Champions League spots, albeit with a few games in hand, It’s imperative they keep the pressure on the likes of Tottenham & Liverpool as were City to win their games in hand they would hold all the aces in the race to finish fourth. With their Carling Cup adventure now a thing of the past, all City have to be concerned with is finishing fourth and the FA Cup, while their demise in the League Cup could be a blessing in the disguise in the long run. However, as far as the omens in this game go, City might not be the shoe-in so many think they should be. City’s only away win in NINE came at Molineux, not the most intimidating of arenas, while they were comfortably beaten at Goodison Park in their last away outing, losing 2-0 to Everton.

As well as defensive flaws, Mancini also has to fix City’s away issues and the quick fix-up could be a victory at The KC stadium. Three points would keep them in touching distance of their seasonal objective (Top Four) but it would also enhance their confidence heading into their next away fixture as a victory over the Tigers would be City’s second in as many away games. Still, City’s away record this season has been poor and considering their price isn’t all that, we feel City, even in this fairly easy looking fixture, are best left well alone

Match Verdict: Draw – 3.60 bWin

We were seriously considering backing City but, after careful deliberation and the fact we want City to slip up, we will actually choose the draw as Hull set out to stretch their unbeaten run in the league to three games, although a draw would make it three successive home draws for the Tigers which is bad news for their bid to avoid relegation by passing up home games. City, however, have their sights set firmly on finishing above 17 other teams and they will know, what with this season being one of the most competitive for years, that they can’t afford to slip up, especially in a fixture such as this which does look very winnable on paper. Still, the difference for us isn’t the gulf in quality between the two but instead their very last results in that Hull will take more out of their draw with Chelsea than City will out of their routine home win over Portsmouth in which City were found wanting at the back in that encounter. It wil require another big display from the Tigers but we’re backing a draw in this fixture.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 5.50 Bet365

Draw – 3.60 bWin

Manchester City – 1.75 Expekt

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Pick: BOTH teams to SCORE (Yes) – 1.85 bWin

Hull City V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Saturday, 30^th January – 15:00 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LLDDL

There will be several must win games between now and the end of the season for Hull City but none perhaps more so than this fixture with Wolves at The KC. Winnable fixtures don’t come around too often if you’re a Hull fan and this fixture with Wolves is just about the easiest they’ve have to put three vital points on the board. However, Hull’s form heading into this must win game is dreadful, having not won in the league for nine games and going a whole two months without a Premiership victory.

For Hull to stay up this season they will need to notch up a handful of victories at the KC stadium, home of the Tigers, and this does appear their easiest remaining home fixture of the season. It’s also a fixture they just have to win if they are to harbour any season survival ambitions as the task looks a tough assignment for Hull considering they’ve looked a lost side since the season kicked into life. They have registered just four league wins since August, the lowest amount of wins (a shared honour), a statistic which just reinforces how significant getting a win this weekend is. 

The problem for Hull is that they couldn’t hit a barn door at present – simple as that. Their best goal haul in recent weeks was scoring two at Bolton, just the fifth time they has surpassed two goals in a game all season. That rare surge of goals is their only positive goal-baring game since November, and the Tigers have managed a lethargic three goals since the beginning of December, that’s three goals in eight games. That’s a dire goal ratio, probably the worst I’ve seen since Derby were strutting their stuff in the Premiership back in 2008. However, you would have to fancy their chances of at least bolstering what is a ridiculous goal tally at home to a Wolves team which has kept just two away clean sheet thus far.  

The basis equation in football is you need to score to stand any chance of winning, and scoring isn’t something Hull are much good at, merely adequate. However, Wolves are on a plate for them to go out and enjoy themselves in front of goal but they haven’t found the net, neither home nor away, in over 360 minutes of Premiership action and that will only have an adverse affect on the confidence of their strikers. Still, there will not be an easier fixture for them for the remainder of the season and we think they’ll just edged this one.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: WLLLD

To be fair, the same rule applies to Wolves in that this game with Hull is a must win as it’s one of their easiest remaining fixtures of the season. Plus, it’s a game that’s certainly winnable and three points would do Wolves the world of good as the relegation zone beckons. Their confidence levels should have risen a few levels after their midweek results; a 0-0 draw with Liverpool, so perhaps Wolves are the team to be on and not a hapless Hull City. 

Wolves performed brilliantly on Tuesday night in nicking a point against Liverpool. We watched that game from start to finish and it was hard to recognise which side were the five time European winners as Liverpool were well below par while Wolves performed far better than expected. A point was a fabulous result as it end a run of three straight defeats for Wolves in the league. However, it still didn’t hide the fact that they haven’t scored a league goal since the middle of December when they beat Burnley 2-0 at home. They’ve gone four league games without a goal, aiming to surpass the goalscoring lows of Hull it would seem, and just like Hull that’s a huge negative for any potential punter,

If we’re completely honest, we can’t see Wolves winning this game and we think they’ll do well to take a point away from the KC stadium. Throughout the course of the season they’ve been a poor away outfit, with a couple of miracle results still not managing to hide their apparent away flaws. In ten away games thus far, Wolves have avoided defeat just four times, losing six of ten. They have also lost three of their last four away games in the league, although all three were to ‘Big Four’ teams. Still, it’s a tall order for Wolves but it’s not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

Match Verdict: Hull City to WIN – 2.30 Boylesports

Neither side can afford to pass up this opportunity but home advantage has swung it for us as we plump for a home win. Hull’s form at The KC will be crucial in how their fare this season in terms of staying up or being relegated. They’ve struggled for the majority of the season, winning just four games. However, all four did come on home soil and you’d bet your life on Phil Brown getting his squad fired up for this encounter as it is a six pointer if we ever seen one. Hull will, however, need to locate the Wolves goal, Which is a big ask in itself.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 2.30 Boylesports

Draw – 3.40 SkyBet

Wolverhampton Wanderers – 3.25 Bet365

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Pick: Hull City to WIN to NIL – 4.00 totesport

Tottenham Hotspur V Hull City

Saturday, 16^th January – 15:00 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur

League Position: 4th

Recent Form: LWWDW

In a fixture Tottenham surprisingly lost last season, surely revenge will be on the minds of the Spurs players ahead of their second White Hart Lane clash with Hull City in two successive seasons as they aim to set right their wrongdoings in last years meeting (losing 1-0). Also, bolstering their top four stance will be high on their list of priority’s for the new year and three points at home to Hull City shouldn’t be too hard to come by. Still, Tottenham have come a cropper twice this season in games they were fully expected to win so perhaps Tottenham aren’t the supposed ‘banker’ many punters will want to believe they are.

After a poor start to a December month of what was officially last year, but in actual fact just a little over a month ago, Tottenham have since gone on a confidence boosting run of five games unbeaten in all competitions, with the cherry on the cake being their emphatic 4-0 victory in the FA Cup over Peterborough United. That was the last time we seen Tottenham in action due to the adverse weather conditions all around the country causing havoc with last weekends fixture list. However, the Spurs players should be good for that rest but it does take away that old “my players were tired after too many festive games” excuse card, so the pressure is on them once again to comply in a should win fixture.

There have been three fixtures, home ones, thus far that before kick-off most punters would have put Tottenham Hotspur down as a certain winner. The first was against a poor travelling Burnley of which Tottenham smashed them off the park in a 5-0 rout – Ideal! However, that was as good as got for us punters and where the real money started pouring in for the rarely beatable bookies… as Spurs faltered at home against both Stoke City (0-1) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (0-1), both being narrow 1-0 defeats but both were outings were Spurs missed so many chances it was unreal. Tottenham’s attack being blunt isn’t an everyday occurrence but it has happened two too many times this season, which is a concern, but surely that won’t happen against arguably the league worst defence.

Tottenham’s last fixture was cancelled, a daunting trip to Anfield, but their last action packed outing was at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup where they cruised through to the next round after a sublime 4-0 victory. Kranjcar bagged a brace while Defoe & Keane completed the scoring in a morale boosting win, although the spirit in the Spurs camp should be fairly high regardless after an unbeaten run of four games unbeaten in the league. Harry Redknapp has watched on as his troops have battled hard to create a solid platform ahead of what could be a defining first half of the year for the club. A four match run without defeat is first class but what’s more impressive, especially from a club like Tottenham who usually have a lot of defensive issues, is that Spurs haven’t conceded a league goal in a little over 360 minutes, while that fortress defence hasn’t conceded in over 450 minutes if you include their 4-0 success in the Cup just after the new year, so things are looking up in all areas of the pitch for Tottenham as they continue their assault on the top four.

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LDLLD

Phil Brown doesn’t have any fresh injury concerns ahead of this frightening trip to White Hart Lane but what he does have to contend with is a Hull camp seriously suffering in a lack of confidence at the present time after a winless run of six games, seven if you include their 4-1 demise in the FA Cup at Wigan Athletic, so the Englishman does have a lot on his hands than you think. Brown has often been criticised for his lack of motivation, or at least his methods have been met with a few raised eyebrows, so their will be big doubts over Hull’s credentials to cause a shock this Saturday.

Last season at White Hart Lane, Hull produced one of the shocks of the season as Geovanni scored yet another wonder goal against a London outfit as Hull stoke all three points away from what was a hapless Spurs at the time. Now, though, the shoe is on the other foot as it is Hull who are faltering of late and desperate for not only wins, points even, but performances that would boost the spirit of the camp as they are clearly suffering a lull in morale of some sort. The fact that their last win in the league came back in the middle of November, nearly two months ago, clearly highlights my observation.

To make a bet on Hull sound even more hopeless than I hope I already have (trust me… this is for your own good) then I will quickly rant about their dire away form this season. Wins for the Tigers have been at a premium, just four in fact, but all of them have come at the home of a toothless Tigers at the KC stadium. They’ve yet to win a single away fixture this season and have just three points to their name after ten away outings (0-3-7). In fact, the last time they won whilst on their travels was back in March last year, a 1-0 win at Fulham, but even that win was a rare delicacy as Hull have won just two of their last 23 away league games – losing 15, drawing eight and, of course, the two wins.

Back to this season now and Hull’s drastic away profile is made to look more drab by the colossal amount of goals they’ve shipped away from home – 26 in total – up their with the very best in terms of one of the worst away defensive records. To make matters a whole lot worse for you loyal yet surely delusional Hull fans, their side have only managed seven away goals all season, averaging under a goal a game. Stpehen Hunt is leading the way for Hull in the goalscoring department with five goals, a MIDFIELDER, while follwed closely behind is egocentric Geovanni with three goals, also a MIDFIELDER, which just goes to show how poor Hull’s forwards have been playing this season.

The latter statistic about Hull’s poor scoring antics takes me onto my next point in that I will highlight a possible betting selection, something I rarely do in a preview and probably something I will later come to regret. We’ve already shown up Hull’s offence, which wasn’t hard, so combine all the information I’ve provided above with the knowledge that Hull have failed to score in four of ten away fixtures this season, plus are without a goal in their last two away outings and perhaps a punt on Spurs, a team who haven’t conceded in what appears an eternity for them, keeping a clean sheet maybe a worthwhile punt at odds of 1.78 with Expekt.com (Away team not to score).

Head-to-Head (Last 2):

Tottenham Hotspur W: 2 Hull City W: 1 Draws: 0

• Hull City won the very first encounter between the two, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane

• Tottenham have won the previous two matches against Hull City, both coming on Hull soil.

• Tottenham smashed Hull 5-1 at The KC earlier in the season in a game where Jermain Defoe scored a hat-trick.

• In three meetings, Hull have scored in each, although on all three occasions they have managed just one goal.

   

Match Verdict: Tottenham Hotspur to WIN – 1.29 Boylesports

Tottenham have been on the wrong end of a few shocks results this season, and although they were involved in a right shocker in this very same fixture last season losing 1-0 at home to Hull, we don’t think Harry Redknapp will allow his players to fall to a similar slumber. Tottenham have looked a classy attacking outfit in recent outings and they should be far too strong, once again, for Hull and a similar scoreline to the 5-1 at The KC earlier in the season wouldn’t be out of question.

Match Odds:

Tottenham Hotspur – 1.29 Boylesports

Draw – 6.00 Bet365

Manchester City – Hull City 13.00 Expekt.com

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Tottenham/Tottenham (HT/FT Betting) – 1.80 Boylesports

Hull City V Chelsea

Saturday, 9^th January – 12:45 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

MATCH POSTPONED – We regrettably have to inform you that the following game has been postponed due to severe weather conditions. Although the pitch has been confirmed as ‘playable’ the surrounding area; roads, pathways, steps etc… have been deemed a hazard and a risk to those fans who will attend the game. 

Hull City

League Position: 19th

Recent Form: LDLLD

If this game was to be decided on form and quality alone then Hull wouldn’t have a chance in hell against the colossal Chelsea, but, however, Hull can hold their heads up high and say that they are one of a select few who have pushed Chelsea hard at Stamford Bridge this season. However, they didn’t fare at all well when the sides clashed at the KC stadium last season, with Chelsea running out deserved 3-0 winners, although that was a night encounter and the last time these two kicked-off at midday was when Hull took an early lead at the Bridge, so perhaps the Tigers aren’t without a glimmer of hope.

A huge performance is required, though, were Hull to even steal a point from Chelsea in this contest. Hull did, however, cause Manchester United a few problems just a few weeks ago, albeit losing 3-1 at the KC, but they did manage to create plenty of chances and could of taken more from that game if their finishing wasn’t do tame. That has been a big problem for Hull of late; scoring. They did manage two in their last outing; a 2-2 draw at Bolton Wanderers, but they had previously managed just one goal in four games before that draw, failing to score at Arsenal & Aston Villa, whilst they were held to a dull 0-0 draw by Blackburn.  

The KC has, however, been the source of some valuable points, the vast majority of them in fact, with all four of Hull’s wins this season coming at home. None of which have actually come against any genuine quality; Bolton (1-0), Wigan (2-1), Stoke (2-1) & Everton (3-2), of which all but Stoke are in the lower half of the table. Their home goals for tally of just 13 is one of the worst in the league but it’s a huge improvement on their dire away form which has seen them score just seven goals but conceded a mammoth 26 goals compared to the 16 conceded at home, which is a still a lot.

It’s hard to see how Hull will close the huge gulf in class between the two as they’ve been a team destined for relegation from Christmas onwards, last Christmas this is. Since the turn of 2009, Hull have struggled for wins, managing just five wins in 38 Premiership games, which is horrendous. They have also struggled to keep up with the stronger teams in games this season, with several top sides dishing out a beating to Hull City; Tottenham winning 5-1 at The KC, Liverpool winning 6-1 at Anfield, Sunderland winning 4-1 at Stadium of Light, there are more… And with this we really can’t see Hull standing much of a chance, although the absence of some of Chelsea’s African contingents may bring about some optimism, at least with the Hull fans, surely not with the smarter punters.

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: DWDDW

Chelsea are only just starting to adjust to life without some of their African starlets but started off in a supreme manner when smashing Championship side, Watford, 5-0 at the weekend in a FA Cup tie. Chelsea’s reward was a relatively easy outing at Preston in the next round so that should be a welcome relief for Carlo Ancelotti as his squad becomes slightly depleted… just ever so slightly!

Chelsea stormed through their FA Cup clash with Watford at the weekend and that win, without their African contingents, will have boosted the morale of the camp after a difficult month of December where performances haven’t been great. That clean sheet against Watford was Chelsea’s first at home since their 4-0 romp of Wolves back in November, so that should lift the spirit of the defenders ahead of what should be another stroll for the blues’.

Chelsea have been typically strong all season, despite some wayward displays of late, and are one of just two teams still unbeaten at home. Away from home, however, Chelsea have been a more vulnerable outfit and haven’t managed a single away win in their last three outings. They were held to low scoring draws at Birmingham (0-0) & West Ham (1-1), both of which Chelsea were fortunate not to have lost, whilst they were beaten early on in December by Man City (2-1). It’s been well over a month since they last enjoyed the taste of an away day success but a trip to the KC provides just about the perfect opportunity to bring about some happy away day memories.

Scoring has been a bit of an issues for the blues’ in recent weeks as they haven’t surpassed the one goal marker in any of their last three away fixtures. With Didier Drogba and Kalour both in Africa, the omen will probably fall onto Daniel Sturridge to chip in with a few goals and carry on the form he shown against Watford where he bagged a brace. Nicolas Anelka could also return, but we are sure Frank Lampard, who scored a sublime goal in this fixture last season, will amply help out with chances.

Head-to-Head:

Hull City W: 0 Chelsea W: 2 Draws: 1

• Hull’s best effort in recent meetings with Chelsea came in the form of a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season.

• Chelsea recorded a comfortable 3-0 victory at the KC stadium last season.

• In three meetings, Hull have only managed 1 goal to Chelsea’s five.

• Hull’s only goalscorer against Chelsea is Stephen Hunt, with his goal coming this season at the Bridge.

Match Verdict: Chelsea to WIN – 1.36 PaddyPower

Hull did cause Man Utd a few problems a few weeks back but Chelsea shouldn’t come unstuck against a Hull side which has often provided the big boys with a chance to bolster their goalscoring tally. Against the ‘Big Four’ teams this season, Hull have shipped 14 goals in four games, although Chelsea were the lowest contributor with two. However, the blues’ put five past Watford in their last outing, while Hull shipped 4 at Wigan, so expect Chelsea’s goalscoring fortunes to change for the good on Saturday in what could and should be another Chelsea romp.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 11.00 Coral

Draw – 4.80 Bet365

Chelsea – 1.36 PaddyPower

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Chelsea -1 Goal (Handicap) – 2.10 SkyBet

Hull City V Manchester United

Sunday 27^th December – 16:00 GMT

Hull City

League Position: 17th

Recent Form: WDLDL

(Hull City are unbeaten at home in their last six games)

The last time Hull City played the part of host to Manchester United was in the very last fixture of last season. A game which Hull desperately needed to win and United couldn’t care less. United won that day which doesn’t bode at all well for Hull’s chances ahead of this weekend’s clash as The Red Devils are no in desperate need of a win themselves after a pointless weekend. We all know Hull have the weaker squad of the two but can they over roar the current champions by being the hungrier and more determined of the two sides on the day? 

Hull, in our brutal yet honest opinion, aren’t too far off being the worst team in the entire league. They’ve gone from being a dangerous side to face in the early part of last season to pretty much a three point banker. The Tigers have already clashed heads with the remaining three of the so called ‘Big Four’ this season and come away losers on each occasions. However, neither were at The KC stadium and Phil Brown will be hoping that home advantage will close that huge gulf between the two in the class department.  

Hull City were starting to build up a bit of momentum until they were emphatically halted by an inform Aston Villa. Hull have now returned to a familiar win less pattern and are now four games without a win in the league, drawing two and losing two. However, Phil Brown has guided his side to new heights at home of late and his Hull side are unbeaten at The KC in six outings, drawing three and winning three. Their last home defeat came back in mid September so there is. Finally, something to shout about at Hull, especially now they’ve jumped out of the bottom three for the first time in what seems an eternity. 

Their overall form at home hasn’t been too bad (4-3-2), and this unbeaten run they’ve worked so hard for should stand them in good stead against a team which will put their undefeated run to the test. However, Hull were pretty bad in their last home outing, a 0-0 draw with Blackburn, and this has occurred on several occasions this season where Hull simply haven’t bothered to turn up nor shown any endeavour on the pitch. Another lacklustre performance like that would see them wiped off the park so it’s crucial Phil Brown get them fired up for this encounter, although, considering their opponents are Manchester United, that shouldn’t be all that difficult. So you would like to think.

Manchester United

League Position: 2nd

Recent Form: WWLWL

(Manchester United haven’t drawn an away game in the league for 19 games)

Although the United ranks have been severely depleted in recent weeks, mainly in the defence department, the current English champions have been gifted a corking pair of fixtures to tide them over during the Christmas period. Most teams would given an arm and a leg for a game with Hull City. While their next match is a home fixture with Wigan Athletic, a team they thumped 5-0 at The DW earlier on, so perhaps all is not as bad as first thought.

A couple of wins for Man Utd could actually see them head into the new year as leaders, although they would need Chelsea to slip up elsewhere. However, with their own form going astray, United can ill-afford to let their mind slip elsewhere as it’s man the battle stations in the United defence. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher formed an unerring centre back partnership last Saturday in a game where the United defence was torn to pieces. Even Patrice Evra, the only quality defender in the defence that day, was awful, which just goes to show what a lack of leadership at the back does for you. Thankfully, Nemanja Vidic should return to the defence and it won’t come a moment too soon. 

United’s defence maybe at ‘sixes and sevens’ right now but it’s offensive players that have been linked with the club recently. Benfica have apparently turned down a bid for Di Maria, a move which, if completed, would probably spell the end for Portuguese flop, Louis Nani, while Mame Diouf will join United from Molde in Denmark in January. Although it’s always good to boost your numbers, attackers aren’t what United need right now as their defence is crumbling around them.

With the exception of the Wolves game where not only were United playing at home to a dreadful Wolves but also against basically the Wolves reserves, United’s makeshift defence has been found wanting and is now left exposed for all to exploit. Aston Villa didn’t have any problems taking advantage of it at the beginning of the month and Fulham also obliged at the weekend, smashing Man Utd 3-0 at Craven Cottage. Their heaviest defeat since their 4-1 humbling by Liverpool at Old Trafford last season. That emphatic defeat can only hinder what will be a Unite dressing room short of morale and confidence but a win over Hull City, along with a clean sheet, would do everyone the world of good.

At Old Trafford, you would fancy United to plug on and chip in with a few wins regardless of what the defence looks like. On the road, however, is where every team is vulnerable no matter what and United head into this fixture precariously exposed. They are fortunate that it’s Hull they are facing but they must take advantage of this generous fixture first. Away from home this season, United have a record of 5-0-4, which clearly shows that The Mighty Red’s can be beaten away from their hunting ground. A 4-0 hammering of West Ham last month is their only away clean sheet in five outings, though, which will surely put a lot of punters off them this Sunday.

Head-to-Head (Last 10):

Hull City W: 0 Manchester United W: 2 Draw: 0

Manchester United have stormed ahead on the h2h counter with victories home and away over Hull City last season. The Tigers did, however, cause United a lot of problems at Old Trafford but were beaten by the United reserves on the final day of the season at The KC stadium.

Match Verdict: Manchester United to WIN – 1.45 Coral

If Man Utd were facing any one other than Hull City then we probably wouldn’t have gone for an away win. Hell, even if this was Wolves hosting United we probably would have opted for a draw. That’s how pear shaped the United defence is at the present time. However, Hull City are one of the poorest teams in the league and, although United don’t have a solid basis, they do still have a lethal attacking outlet in Wayne Rooney. The former Everton front man has worked tirelessly for United in recent weeks, often being the highlight for Man Utd in recent weeks, and we fancy Wayne Rooney to be in inspired form this weekend. Hull aren’t without hope, only because United’s defence will be understrength once again, but we can’t see them outscoring United as their defence is just as bad.

Match Odds:

Hull City – 8.50 PaddyPower

Draw – 4.50 SkyBet

Manchester United – 1.45 Coral

Football-Betting.co.uk Value Tip: Wayne Rooney FGS – 4.50 Bet365

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