Football – England – Premier League
Saturday 10th January 2015 – Kickoff: 1500hrs
After three straight defeats in England’s top flight recently, former manager Alan Irvine was given the boot as losses to QPR, Manchester City and ultimately, Stoke City were too much for the board as their patience ran dry.
They then pulled off a coup by signing up out-of-work Tony Pulis who is a master of getting the best out of ‘unfashionable’ teams in the bottom half of the Premiership having gained considerable success at first Stoke City and then Crystal Palace.
Pulis’ blueprint for success is a curious one; his teams appearing to be geared up for keeping the ball out of play rather than in play, instead focusing on set pieces (remember the Rory Delap long-throws into the box?), and he has the makings of further success at The Hawthorns as he looks to utilise not only striker and leading goalscorer Berahino, but perhaps more importantly, the likes of defenders Lescott and Olsson from corners and free-kicks.
West Brom’s home record stands at 2-3-5 13/16 and they’ve lost four of their last five with just one win from their last seven matches at The Hawthorns, but I expect Pulis’ influence to get to work quickly here. He also has a near fully fit squad to choose from with the only absentee being midfielder Craig Gardener.
Visitors Hull City make the trip down to the midlands without several key players such as Dawson, Diame, Robertson, Ramirez, Rosenior and Snodgrass with striker Jelavic doubtful. This is not good news for manager Steve Bruce as he tries to gear his side up for back-to-back wins in the Premier League following their 2-0 home win over Everton last time out.
Influential midfielder Tom Huddlestone is expected to once again galvanize the side but he may have to drop deeper to cover for the absentees which in turn could nullify his threat in terms of assists. Hull have registered just one away win from their last nine which was at Sunderland while their overall record on the road reads 2-4-4 10/14.
West Brom may just have the edge here and look out for a goal coming from a set-piece, and despite Hull’s missing players, they may still carry a threat particularly if Jelavic plays. I advise keeping the draw on your side as much as possible, and I really didn’t want to give the quarter ball but both sides have ben in dismal form of late so I just can’t pull the trigger on Pulis’ Baggies outfit – yet. Could be a narrow 1-0 win for the hosts.
Pick: West Brom AH-0.25 @ 1.74 Bet Victor
