It seems an age since we last played, but at least that has provided the opportunity for Carlton Cole to get fit. Sadly, it seems as though Herita Ilunga won’t make this game and also Aleesandro Diamanti has got a problem with an injured hip. Hull are not an easy side to play at the best of times, and they will certainly be relishing the game this afternoon. Phil Brown still lives in fear of every game being his last one, and Hull’s performance may well depend on how much his players want him to keep his job. The portents for West Ham are not good, seeing as though Hull came back from one down to win their last home game against Stoke.
Manuel Da Costa is likely to retain his place in defence after two storming performances alongside Matthew Upson, while Spector will no doubt continue to deputise for Herita Ilunga. The midfield more or less picks itself as I can’t see Jimenenz retaining his place after his performance in the game against Everton. Welcome back Mark Noble. Up front, assuming Carlton Cole is indeed fit, Franco will start.
West Ham really need win their next two games, because after that we have got Man U and Chelsea to look forward to. We really do not want to get to Christmas and find ourselves anchored in the bottom three.
Even though we have only scored six goals in our six away matches so far this season, and Diamanti and Ilunga are missing, I am very confident we will win today and win well. Zola will have the team very focused and if Cole is fit we have plenty of attacking options with HInes, Franco, and Stanislas.
I am predicting a 3-1 scoreline in favour of the Hammers.
Fingers crossed we win,but I just don't see it myself, not enough up front and we are lacking quality in other area's,can see Hull kicking lumps out of us and grinding out an ugly win,i'll be very surprized if Noble's not back in the team,personally i would play Behrami in the middle with parker. prediction 2 – 1
As a Hull resident but life long Hammer I am relishing this game. I live within earshot of the KC stadium and am setting off soon.
It's a make or break game in my opinion as I have seen Hull a couple of times and they are not heavy scorers. If we can get in front I think we will be OK – coming back in the Stoke game was a one off. Against Portsmouth a few weeks back Hull were dire. So if we lose this I predict we'll be in the doo doo.
Jimmy Bullard is till finding his feet so I predict Stephen Hunt will be their most "active" midfielder. He can sometimes be like a terrier with no idea what he is doing. Rushing around and harrying here and there but then forgetting which way the goal is! But if he has a good game we need to be careful of him getting in crosses.
My prediction is 0-2 for the Hammers, but both in the second half and the 2nd goal coming in the last 5-10 mins.
This fixture albeit to Hull will be a defining match and the six pointer syndrome raises its head once again. Zola has said that we have roughly same number of points as we had this time last season. With Illunga & Diamanti out it would be good for Daprela to come in and make his debut. In past reserve matches and the internationals he has done well but will be on the bench as substitute and Spector will be in from the start.
My team Green
Daprela Upson Tomkins Da Costa
Parker Collison Noble Behrami
Cole Franco
1-2 win would take us to 14/15 place if other matches go our way with Burnley at home next week