Hull City v West Ham preview

Thankfully the Premier League is back this weekend and the Hammers can get back to business with a trip to Hull City. 

The Tigers were something of a crisis club but a fortnight ago, however a 2-1 win against Stoke on the day we fell to Everton gave them and their under pressure manager Phil Brown some much needed breathing space.  They remain a vulnerable team who we must have a real go at.

The two week break allows those with knocks to come back into shape and I expect a pretty full squad for Zola to pick from, although Stanislas and Tomkins may struggle and Illunga is touch and go.   We’ve definitely got to go strong and put Hull under pressure, an early goal could really knock the stuffing out of them, therefore I want to see an attacking line up.  Although we lost against Everton, it was still a decent performance and unfortunately I think Mr Noble has to remain on the bench.  My other wish is to see Mr Diamanti start, he is the kind of player Hull will hate to play against and will draw them away from their game plan.  So, my line up...

Green

Illunga – Upson – Da Costa – Spector

Collison – Parker – Behrami – Diamanti

Cole – Franco

Bench: Kurucz, Noble, Kovac, Tomkins, Stanislas, Hines and Faubert

This is the strongest starting eleven we have right now and we can cause Hull some real problems if we are on form.

Key man – The return of Carlton Cole is massive for us, he’ll be aching to get back into action and I can see him scoring this weekend

Key opponent – Jimmy Bullard is set to return for Hull and could be looking to get one over his old club

Prediction – I’m feeling confident about this one and I think a 3-1 win to the Hammers is on the cards, with Cole and Diamanti running the show.  Come on you Irons!!!

PS Don't forget to buy your West Ham Christmas Gifts

Comments

[SimpleSimon]

I am with you on this. Vital that we tear into them and push them straight onto the back foot, shutting the crowd up at the same time.

Diamante must start, presumably he is fit enough to now... and if Diamante starts it has got to be Noble that makes way. Full back is still an issue, especially if Ilunga doesnt make it... lets just hope he does.

But Hull away always makes me wince. Helluva long way to go only to arrive at the worst town in England (According to a book I saw, think it was called Britains 50 worst towns). Help me out here people but didnt we have to go there back in the Championship and our coach driver got lost... and by the time we did get there one of our players had broke on the bus. And we got stuffed, Ive a feeling we were like 0-3 down by half time. Presumably that coach driver is propping up a flyover somewhere.

Of course thats all water under the bridge and a new history is waiting to be written. One that makes me smile hopefully. I want to see Gianfranco and his ear to ear grin.

COYI!!!!

[TBI]

1-3!? Their tails are up and ours are down. Lucky to get a draw imo.