Statistical Betting Preview: West Brom vs Hull

Manager-less West Brom host Premier League new boys Hull, looking to end a run of 4 straight defeats.

The Baggies were condemned to a 1-0 loss against Cardiff despite boasting the majority of possession and taking more shots. Attacking midfielder Stephane Sessesgnon, in particular, has every right to feel aggrieved by the defeat as he completed an impressive 23 passes in Cardiff’s half – this was more than any other West Brom player. Sessegnon also showcased his outstanding dribbling ability, as he completed the most dribbles in the Baggies lineup (3).

If West Brom are to stay in the Premier League this year, they will need striker Shane Long firing on all cylinders to score the goals to keep them in the top flight. So far this term, Long has managed to score at an impressive ratio of a goal every 6 shots. Long is 11/2 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Saturday.

Likewise, senior players such as Youssuf Mulumbu and Jonas Olsson will have to up their game, use their top flight experience to marshall the players though the tough times and pick the younger ones up when they lose. The duo’s importance to the Baggies team is evident by the fact that they have completed 1260 minutes for West Brom this term – the most in the West Brom squad.

He may have only been used sparingly this year, but Graham Dorrans has demonstrated his ability to pick a pass. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that Dorrans has completed a pass in the opposition half every 3.7 minutes.

Hull drew 0-0 with Stoke last time out, a point that Steve Bruce will be satisfied with as it ensured that the Tigers sit 6 points above the relegation zone as we enter the Christmas period.  

It must be pleasing for Steve Bruce that he has two internationals at the heart of his midfield, with both Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore making positive contributions since arriving on Humberside. Their expert passing was on show on Saturday as they managed to complete 24 and 31 passes in Stoke’s half repectively – no other Hull player completed more.

Ahmed Elmohamady has been a colossal figure for Hull this term performing at both right back and right midfield with distinction. His importance to the Hull squad is underlined by the fact that he has featured in 1390 minutes for Hull this term – which is more than any other player in the squad.   

Former Manchester United midfielder Robbie Brady has shown glimpses of his undoubted potential this term, with a number of match winning displays. So far this season he has scored 3 goals, which is more than any of his teammates. This is unsurprising when consulting the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, as Brady has hit the target with an astounding 80% of his efforts. Brady is an industry best 17/2 with 888sport.com to score the opening goal on Saturday.

Egyptian midfielder Gedo may not have featured as prominently as he would have liked this term, making only 2 appearances. However, he has shown his eye for a pass in the limited opportunities that he has had. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he has completed a pass in the opposition half at a rate of a pass every 2.7 minutes.