Friday, February 19, 2010

Hammers vs. Hull City Preview: Zola Calling for Wins

West Ham is again hosting a key match in their attempt to stave of relegation. If either team wins they could move into the 13th spot on the table, but a loss would bring the ever looming reality of the relegation zone. This Saturday's match vs. Hull City will be one that can help steer the Hammers into calm waters or push them back down to the bottom three.

As far as injury news goes, again Herita Ilunga will be out, also Benni McCarthy will be forced to sit again from his knee injury against Burnley. But back in the mix will be Guille Franco, but his hopes of playing could be muddied with Mido and Ilan also in the attack plans of Gianfranco Zola.

For Hull there is the possible return of Jimmy Bullard at the midfielder position. But will be without the midfield services of Geovanni, whom Bullard could likely replace.

West Ham is very positive after the crucial win against a very fit Birmingham City in their last match, and hope that momentum can carry on Saturday. The odds are in their favor as Hull hasn't won any of their last 18 away matches.

Manager Zola is positive about the match, and is hoping the crowd will be the extra nudge the players have over the Tigers. He is iterating the fact that the next two home matches are must wins. Zola said to the teams official site www.whufc.com, "The next two games are very important. We start on Saturday. It is a big opportunity because we can make a big step forward."

Zola will probably field the same squad as the one who defeated Birmingham, with the possibility of Mido steeping out for Mark Noble and Jonathan Spector staring in place of injured Ilunga. Causing Alessandro Diamanti to move up in the pitch and play more of an attacking midfielder position.

Diamanti has been the Hammers saving grace this season and was the leading goal scorer during Carlton Cole's absence. Also He scored with Coley in the Birmingham match. The duo will likely start again this Saturday.

As a little bit of a bonus West Ham's keeper Robert Green will be enjoying his 350th Premier League appearance and is continuing his run of 112 consecutive starts. He is also the only player who has started every match this season.

The match is at 3:00 p.m. London time.

Go Hammers!

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