Premier League: Hull City vs Crystal Palace match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at The KC Stadium

Abel Hernandez (Getty Images)

Hull, sitting in 16th place after failing to win their last five league games, face a difficult test from a Crystal Palace side who have responded well to the return of Neil Warnock.

Steve Bruce, who managed Palace for three months in 2001, made several eye-catching signings during the transfer window, including Abel Hernandez, who has made an instant impression in England with two goals in his first three appearances. A midfield boosted by the arrival of Mohamed Diamé, Hatem Ben Arfa and Gaston Ramirez should create plenty of chances for the Uruguayan striker.

Palace find themselves in the top ten and are unbeaten in four after losing their first two league games. They will be hoping wide men Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon can continue their fine form after the wingers drew praise from Warnock for their role in recent victories against Everton and Leicester. Frazier Campbell will hope to add to his two goals this season against the team where he enjoyed a successful loan spell in 2007/8.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00pm

Warnock directs his side during their win over Everton

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Crystal Palace 1 (Puncheon) Hull 0, Premier League, January 2014

Hull 0 Crystal Palace 1 (Bannan), Premier League, November 2013

Crystal Palace 4 (Phillips 3, Zaha) Hull 2 (Simpson, Meyler), Championship, March 2013

STATS…

Hull haven’t beaten Palace in their last eight meetings – their last victory came in April 2008, when Frazier Campbell and Ian Ashbee scored in a 2-1 win in the Championship.

A goal for Nikica Jelavic will equal his tally from last season. He has scored three in his first six appearances this campaign, after netting four in 25 appearances for Everton and Hull last year.

Palace’s matches have been entertaining affairs this season. In eight matches in all competitions there have been 29 goals with just one goalless draw, against Burnley.

Yannick Bolasie’s goal against Everton a fortnight ago was the winger’s first in 33 Premier League appearances.

ODDS…

Hull to win: 1.5

Crystal Palace to win: 3.8

Draw: 3.4

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

An astonishing eight minute hat-trick from Kevin Phillips settled the match when the two sides met at Selhurst Park in the Championship in March 2013. The striker scored his goals either side of halftime, following a 45 minute penalty with two quick-fire strikes after the break. Wilfried Zaha added a fourth, while Jay Simpson and David Meyler netted consolation strikes for the visitors.

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.