Preview: Hull City vs. West Bromwich Albion - prediction, team news, lineups

West Bromwich Albion take on Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Friday night looking to move closer to the Championship playoff places.

At a time when the Baggies trail the top six in the standings by six points, Hull remain 11 points clear of the relegation zone despite a four-match winless streak.

Match preview

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When Carlos Corberan recently committed his future to West Brom, the hope was that his team would kick on towards the playoffs, but that is not how things have panned out.

Ahead of last weekend's fixture with Middlesbrough, the West Midlands outfit had collected just one point from three outings, conceding six goals in the process.

However, West Brom stormed out the blocks versus Boro, Daryl Dike netting twice in the opening 10 minutes, and it proved decisive as Corberan's side secured an impressive 2-0 victory over one of the in-form teams in the division.

Although West Brom still only sit in 11th position, they have regained some much-needed momentum ahead of what can only be described as a favourable upcoming fixture list.

United States international Dike has also ended a barren spell in front of goal which had lasted since January 15, and Corberan will hope that one of his star men can kick on over the coming weeks.

Opponents Hull recently flirted with emerging as the dark horses for a playoff spot courtesy of back-to-back successes over Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City.

Nevertheless, the Tigers now sit 12 points adrift of the top six courtesy of failing to emerge victorious from any of their last four matches in the second tier.

While draws were collected versus Stoke City and Preston North End, Liam Rosenior's team have lost their previous momentum and will instead want to guarantee survival over throwing everything at an unlikely promotion bid.

Meetings with in-form Coventry City and Burnley follow this contest, putting pressure on Hull to extend an unbeaten home league record which has lasted since December 17.

Team News

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Of those sitting in the Hull treatment room, only Dimitrios Pelkas has a chance of returning from a groin strain in time for this fixture.

However, Rosenior will still likely make changes with Ryan Longman and Benjamin Tetteh both pushing for chances in the final third.

Xavier Simons should retain his spot in central midfield with the Chelsea loanee on the brink of moving to the club on a full-time basis.

Semi Ajayi could come into the West Brom defence after Erik Pieters picked up a knee issue versus Middlesbrough.

Marc Albrighton will also be considered for a recall ahead of Grady Diangana, who is out injured, but the rest of the team should remain the same after a free midweek.

Hull City possible starting lineup:

Darlow; Christie, Jones, McLoughlin, Greaves; Docherty, Simons; Tufan, Slater, Longman; Estupinan

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Griffiths; Furlong, O'Shea, Ajayi, Townsend; Yokuslu, Molumby; Wallace, Swift, Albrighton; Dike

We say: Hull City 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

Although Hull have lost their way in recent matches, they will feel that they are capable of overcoming a relatively-inconsistent Baggies side. Nevertheless, we think that the visitors will build on last weekend's eye-catching victory and prevail by the odd goal in three.

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