Hull City perhaps strengthened better in the summer than any club in the Premier League outside of the top four. However, that hasn’t stopped the Tigers from having a shaky start to the season, with Steve Bruce’s outfit having picked up four points from their opening three games.
Hull City vs. West Ham United live stream: How to watch the EPL online, TV schedule and more
Two of the Premier League’s mid-table outfits go head-to-head on Monday.
Still, that's a point better than Sam Allardyce's West Ham United, who visit the KC Stadium on Monday night. For the Hammers, defeats to Tottenham and Southampton have been wedged either side of a win against Crystal Palace, and the pressure will soon start to mount on the manager if they fail to find more consistency.
Key player - Tom Huddlestone (Hull City)
Hull City's excellent first season back in the Premier League last year was largely thanks to their defensive solidity. Steve Bruce set his side up with a solid back three; ordering them to sit deep and counter-attack. He hasn't looked to change much for this season, and so midfielder Tom Huddlestone is still at the heart of much of the Tigers' play. His fine long-range passing is vital to triggering quick breaks, and West Ham will no doubt be keen on keeping him quiet.
Key matchup - Andrew Robertson vs. Stewart Downing
Scottish youngster Andrew Robertson has been excellent since joining Hull from Dundee United in the summer, and so Bruce will be desperate for him to shake off a knock in time to start in his usual wingback role. If he does, he’ll be up against West Ham winger Stewart Downing -- a player who is much more dangerous than many give him credit for. Keeping him quiet won’t be as easy as it may seem.
Hull City injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Hatem Ben Arfa, Gastón Ramírez (match fitness), Andrew Robertson (calf), Abel Hernández (work permit).
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Andy Carroll (ankle), Kevin Nolan (shoulder). In doubt: Matt Jarvis (thigh), Carl Jenkinson (hamstring).
Hull have no players certainly unavailable, though it seems unlikely that deadline day arrivals Hatem Ben Arfa, Gastón Ramírez and Abel Hernández will be thrown in at the deep end. Ben Arfa and Ramírez are both lacking match fitness, and Hernández still has work permit issues to be ironed out. Andrew Robertson is their only injury doubt.
West Ham will still be without star striker Andy Carroll, while his veteran and partner in crime Kevin Nolan is also still on the physio’s table. Winger Matt Jarvis and fullback Carl Jenkinson will have to shake off thigh and hamstring problems respectively if they’re to play a part.
Match Date/Time: Monday, 8 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: KC Stadium, Hull, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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