Can the Seagulls clip high-flying Hull’s wings?

It’s third against eighth this weekend as Albion host high-flying Hull at the Amex in front of the Sky cameras.

The Seagulls can bridge the gap between themselves and sixth placed-Middlesbrough should results go their way, whereas Hull can climb to second if they better the result of Leicester City, who travel to Peterborough.

Team News

Gus Poyet will be without Ashley Barnes, who begins his 3-match ban after his sending off against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

Albion’s new forward Leonardo Ulloa looks set to claim his first home appearance in the league.

Adam El-Abd is available after returning from international duty with Egypt this week but Gordon Greer looks to miss out again due to a hamstring injury.

Steve Bruce could name an unchanged side from that which claimed a 1-0 victory over Millwall last weekend.

Form

Albion go into their game off the back of their first league loss of the year after a soft display away at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

Albion still hold the record for the most draws this season (12).

The Tigers are unbeaten in their last seven Championship games on the road after their narrow victory away at Millwall last Saturday.

Steve Bruce’s men have won eight and drawn three out of their 15 away trips this campaign - the best in the league.

Albion last 5: W W D D L

Hull last 5: W D L D W

Head to head

The two met at the KC Stadium in the opening game of the Championship back in August and it was the Tigers who came out on top. Albion fell to a 1-0 loss thanks to a late Jay Simpson strike in Steve Bruce’s first league game in charge.

Players to watch:

Robert Koren (Hull)

The midfielder has chipped in with seven goals and five assists this term and will be looking to add to that on Saturday afternoon.

David Lopez (Albion)

Whether the Spaniard has played at right-back or in one of the attacking roles behind the striker, David Lopez has been an integral part of the squad over the past few months.

Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday 9th February, 17:20 GMT