Preview: West Ham v. Hull City

EPL Preview: West Ham v. Hull City, Upton Park, London, 19:45 GMT.

Tonight's game is the second game between eighth placed West Ham and ninth placed Hull City. In the last encounter the two teams were separated by a solitary Michael Turner goal that gave the Tigers all three points.

Gianfranco Zola will be hoping to over turn this result and carry on with West Ham's current purple patch of form. Phil Brown's Hull City side are unfortunately looking at a sixth consecutive defeat if they can not grasp at least a point tonight.

Zola's Hammers will be hopeful that their record signing Savio Nsereko will be ready to play. The U-19 German international joined from Italian club Brescia in mid-week for reportedly more than £7.5m.

Hull too will be hoping to show off their new record signing in £5m Jimmy Bullard. Bullard, who only trained for the first time with his new team mates on Wednesday, has been restricted in training due to a virus and isn't expected to take a full part in the action.

However, Phil Brown is hopeful that the England international will be able to play a part in the action from the subs bench. Bullard, who supported West Ham as a boy, was unable to take any part in the Tiger's victory over Millwall in the FA Cup over the weekend, even though he was signed in time to play a part in the action.

The Tigers boss will be happy with Hull's recent FA Cup exploits and will be hopeful that they will help to kick start a run of good form in the Premiership.

West Ham will be pleased that Matthew Upson will be making his return to the heart of the Hammers defense but with the loss of Craig Bellamy to Manchester City and Kieron Dyer doubtful, Zola will have to shuffle his players for tonight's fixture.

Brown too will have to make a few changes for the tonight's game as George Boateng, Nick Barmby, and Anthony Gardner will all be missing for the Tigers' visit to Upton Park. However, Craig Fagan has returned to the squad from suspension and Kevin Kilbane will also figure in the Tigers team for tonight.