Prediction: Hull City vs West Ham

Heavily reinforced Hull City aim to return to winning ways and cement their place in mid table after the European elimination was followed by defeat at Villa Park. Meanwhile, West Ham have suffered another home loss, but they can take some comfort from the fact they have so far won the only away fixture of the season.

Hull City were clearly one of the surprise packages of last season, with Steve Bruce’s side never really in danger of getting relegated. It was some shrewd transfer dealings that placed the club in a good position to survive, and once again, the Tigers have managed to attract some high-quality players, mostly thanks to the manager himself. Hull City were unfortunate to have summer signing Robert Snodgrass suffer a season-ending injury, but they also signed Tom Ince, Harry Maguire and Michael Dawson ahead of the transfer deadline day. And with the likes of Ben Arfa, Hernandez, Diame and Ramirez joining in the nick of time, the Tigers now look very well equipped for the new season. Given that Abel Hernandez is the only late signing without Premier League experience, the new players should have no problems adapting to the new surroundings, with Michael Dawson and Momo Diame expected to start against West Ham. The Uruguayan striker has yet to receive his work permit, while Gaston Ramirez and Hatem Ben Arfa lack match fitness and will probably have to settle for a place on the bench. Even so, Hull City should have more than enough quality in the side to see off injury-hit West Ham.

West Ham finished the previous campaign few points in front of their next opposition, but Sam Allardyce, nonetheless, continues to be criticised for team’s style of play. In all fairness, there have been more skilled players arriving at Boleyn Ground over the last few transfer windows, and maybe the Hammers will no longer be referred to as a long-ball team. Similar to Hull City, West Ham have been very active in the summer transfer window and they have signed some great players as well. The loan signing of former Arsenal star Alex Song is by far the best piece of summer business, but the likes of Kouyate, Zarate, Valencia and Sakho have certainly improved the competition for places at Boleyn Ground. However, the team have yet to gel properly and that is probably the main reason for home defeats to Tottenham and Southampton as well as Capital One Cup exit at the hands of Sheffield United, with 3-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park the only positive result so far. With Momo Diame leaving and Kevin Nolan still sidelined through injury, West Ham could find it hard to match very good Hull City side, especially since Matt Jarvis and Carl Jenkinson are unavailable as well.

Conclusion

Hull City will be buoyed by the arrival of four deadline day signings and with all key men available, the Tigers have got to be considered favourites against out-of-sorts West Ham. The Hammers have yet to hit the ground running, and they will have to find a way to replace Kevin Nolan and Momo Diame at KC Stadium.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: William Hill