Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's coverage of the match between West Ham United and Hull City in the Premier League.

Both West Ham and Hull are well on their way to securing their Premier League status for another season, but with eight games to go, there's still all to play for in the bottom half of the table, leaving tonight's fixture as an ideal opportunity for either the Hammers or the Tigers to move to the brink of avoiding relegation.

Nine points have been achieved in each side's last six league fixtures, but the points have come in contrasting circumstances. West Ham reached as high as 10th at the end of February after winning three matches in a row, but three defeats has seen there progress come to a grinding halt.

As for Hull, their triumphs over Sunderland, Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion have come either side of home losses to Southampton, Newcastle United and Manchester City. That said, Steve Bruce has guided his side to comfortable wins on their last two trips away from the KC Stadium and he will be confident of securing a third against an out-of-form West Ham.

The team news is in from Upton Park. Full details to follow shortly.

WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian; McCartney, Tomkins, Collins, Demel; Nolan, Taylor, Noble, Diame, Downing; Carroll

WEST HAM UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Vaz Te, C Cole, J Cole, Johnson, Nocerino

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has opted to name the same lineup that began his side's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend. That could be considered a minor surprise, but on reflection, the Hammers were only undone by a moment of brilliance from Wayne Rooney and an individual error being capitalised on by the striker, so maybe the same XI deserved a second shot at recording a positive result.

HULL CITY XI: McGregor; Figueroa, Bruce, Chester, Davies; Meyler, Huddlestone, Livermore, Elmohamady; Jelavic, Long

HULL CITY SUBSTITUTES: Harper, Rosenior, Koren, Fryatt, Sagbo, Aluko, Quinn

Hull chief Steve Bruce has decided to make two alterations to the team that faced West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. Maynor Figueroa and Alex Bruce have been brought back into the side in place of Liam Rosenoir and Sone Aluko, who both feature on the bench.

The reverse fixture between these two teams occurred all the way back in September. On that occasion, it proved to be a tight affair, with Hull taking the three points thanks to a penalty from Robbie Brady. Let's hope for more goals this evening!

Since paying £15m for his services, Sam Allardyce hasn't got value for money out of striker Andy Carroll. The England international was hindered with an ankle problem for the first six months of his permanent stint in East London, while Carroll has only netted once in eight games since his return. He was harshly suspended for three games after clashing with Chico Flores against Swansea City, but I would imagine that Allardyce's perseverance with the 25-year-old is purely down to his need to justify paying such a fee to bring him to Upton Park.

Hull, on the other hand, have done some good business with their frontmen. Steve Bruce paid significant fees to sign Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long during the January transfer window, and despite both forwards only netting three times during their first two months at the KC Stadium, they are showing signs of developing a promising partnership that could benefit Hull over the next couple of years.

While many eyes will be focused on each outfit's attacking display, it's the defensive side of the game that has earned both team the majority of their plaudits during the current campaign. West Ham have kept 13 clean sheets this season, which is the same amount as Arsenal and more than Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Hull haven't kept as many clean sheets as their opponents this evening, but they do boast a better defensive record, having conceded the fifth-least amount of goals during their 30 league games.

We are just over 15 minutes away from the game getting started in East London. I think it's time for a prediction!

PREDICTION! It's a difficult one to call tonight, but I fancy Hull to make the most of the space in the final third to nick a 2-1 success. West Ham could easily win this game if they can establish the early momentum, but Steve Bruce has guided Hull to an impressive year in the Premier League, and I'm backing his side to continue that form this evening.

If this match doesn't take your fancy, you can always follow either Liverpool's game with Sunderland or Barcelona's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo.

West Ham and Hull are beginning to congregate in the tunnel at Upton Park. I envisage plenty of bubbles being blown in the next couple of minutes.

It doesn't look like the biggest of crowds inside Upton Park. I hope the hardy souls that have attended this evening are treated to an entertaining game, because, rather selfishly, I'm eager to see a decent match too!

Mike Dean is the referee this evening. At a time where the officials have been in the spotlight, he will be hoping for a quiet 90 minutes tonight. We are underway.

Hull have wasted no time in trying to utilise the pace of Shane Long down the flanks, and he seems to have enough to better James Tomkins. Nothing occurs on this occasion, but it's an early warning sign for the Hammers.

Andy Carroll wins the first aerial exchange against Curtis Davies, but he can't move the ball into the box with any success. Curtis Davies has been outstanding for Hull this evening, but he won't face many sterner physical tests than he will against Carroll tonight.

SHOT! Stewart Downing gets the first shot in on goal of the evening, but it's well parried away by Allan McGregor.

West Ham have Hull defending for their lives in their own box, and James Chester is forced to make a tremendous block to turn Matt Taylor's shot over the crossbar.

SUBSTITUTION! Massive blow for the Hammers. James Collins has picked up an injury and he is immediately being replaced by on-loan defender Roger Johnson.

Andy Carroll is already proving to be a handful for the Hull back three. He looks in the mood to make an impact this evening.

WOODWORK! West Ham strike the bar, but it's in fortuitous circumstances. Stewart Downing made good progress down the right before delivering the ball into the box with his weaker foot. The ball came nowhere near to reaching its intended target, but it clipped the top of the bar on the way out.

Kevin Nolan is getting a ticking off from Mike Dean after sliding in late on Tom Huddlestone. There doesn't appear to be much contact, but it was slightly dangerous from the midfielder, who has history of getting in trouble with the referee.

BOOKING! Nolan is now the victim of a similar challenge from Jake Livermore, who is handed a yellow card. Interesting decision from Mike Dean, because there wasn't much difference between the respective tackles.

I have no idea what has happened here. The ball went into the area, where Mohamed Diame flicked the ball towards goal before being taken down by Allan McGregor. The effort was cleared off the line and no penalty was given at the time. However, no-one seems to know what decision has been made after play was brought to an halt. It could be a penalty, but I'm not sure.

RED CARD! Allan McGregor has been sent off for a professional foul! He had been receiving treatment for a couple of minutes, but after he got back to his feet, Mike Dean dished out the red card! Of course, that means a penalty has been given to the Hammers. Steve Harper is currently getting ready to come on for Alex Bruce.

As cool as you like, Mark Noble side-foots the ball into the bottom corner, sending Steve Harper the wrong way in the process.

That sending off has obviously not done Steve Bruce and Hull City any favours in this match. There can be no arguments over the dismissal though.

West Ham win a corner after persistence from Kevin Nolan on the byline. The set piece finds Andy Carroll, but James Tomkins's header clears the bar.

As expected, Hull are struggling to get of their own half at present. They will need to fight hard to ensure that West Ham don't extend their advantage before half time. If West Ham do win this evening, they will overtake the visitors in the standings.

West Ham enjoy a sustained spell of possession but they can't create a chance at the end of it. Hull attempt to break but with just Nikica Jelavic in attack, they have little option but to hit a hopeful ball forward, which brings no success.

SHOT! That's better from Hull, who break down the right through Ahmed Elmohamady, but after finding Tom Huddlestone with his cross, the midfielder sent a half-volley over the bar.

I'm not sure why, but the West Ham supporters appear to be a little anxious with how the match is going. Their team are in full control, but maybe they were expecting a few more shots on goal after being handed a one-man advantage.

SHOT! Matt Taylor sends a delightful cross into the middle for Andy Carroll, but the 25-year-old's header is powered into the ground, taking the ball over Steve Harper's crossbar.

There will be six minutes of added-on time. The majority of that came from the stoppage that resulted in the sending off and the penalty.

His side may be behind, but Steve Bruce looks furious at the amount of time that has been added on. He is eager to get his players back into the dressing room so that they can attempt to regroup before the second half.

Hull earn a free kick on the left after Mohamed Diame barges into the back of Nikica Jelavic, but James Chester can only head Tom Huddlestone's delivery over the bar.

SHOT! Maynor Figueroa gets a stunning strike on goal, but Adrian is able to punch the ball wide. That very nearly caught the stopper by surprise.

Mike Dean finally brings an end to the first half, and West Ham lead at the break. It's hasn't been the most entertaining of games, but the Hammers won't mind - they are in control of this encounter and Hull have it all to do in the second 45 minutes.

As expected, West Ham are superior in all of the half-time stats. They have had more possession, four more shots and two more corners than Hull, and if all goes to plan for Sam Allardyce's team, that will only improve after the break.

It's hard to predict how Steve Bruce will approach the second half. He already has two forwards on the pitch, so he is unlikely to make a change in that department, but there's far too much space in the midfield, and that might be something that he needs to address to give his side the best chance of gaining a result at Upton Park.

We are back underway at Upton Park.

Hull have began the second half brightly, with Nikica Jelavic managing to win a free kick around 35 yards from goal. Will he shoot or cross? He took a shot...

What a start for the visitors. Tom Huddlestone fired the ball with plenty of venom towards Adrian's goal, but his effort was deflected by Nikica Jelavic into the bottom corner, completely deceiving the goalkeeper. Now we have a game on our hands!

West Ham look rattled. Their half-time team talk would have revolved around retaining possession during the opening 10 minutes of the second half, but that has gone completely out of the window now. The home support are airing their frustration.

Oh dear. Steve Bruce and several of the Hull players turn away in disbelief, and I don't blame them. James Chester has sliced the ball into his own net from six yards out after an innocuous-looking cross from Guy Demel. All of a sudden, West Ham are back in control.

What have Hull got in reply? Steve Bruce looks completely dejected. To add to his problems, Maynor Figueroa is down clutching his ankle.

SUBSTITUTION! Maynor Figueroa is being replaced by Liam Rosenior. That's two of Hull's changes made before the hour mark.

Hull are beginning to have a bit more possession, but none of it is coming in the final third. The Tigers need a big effort from their front two if they are to have any hope of equalising for a second time.

There's not a whole lot happening for either team at the moment. West Ham are frequently looking for the head of Andy Carroll and when the ball is lost, Hull are attempting to mount an attack without much success. Joe Cole looks to be coming on for the Hammers.

Shane Long does superbly to win the ball in midfield, and Hull have the chance of a three-on-two attack. However, both Long and David Meyler are indecisive on the ball and the opportunity is quickly lost.

SUBSTITUTION! Rather surprisingly, Cole is replacing Mohamed Diame, who has been one of the better performers for the home side. I will need to re-think my man-of-the-match selection!

There are less than 20 minutes remaining at Upton Park. Hull are slowly but surely beginning to get on top. Can they find a second goal?

David Meyler wins the ball in the centre of midfield before sending Shane Long clear down the right. The Irishman wins a corner for his team, but the set piece from Tom Huddlestone is poor, and the Hammers clear.

Hull are starting to rack up the corners, but they continue to create nothing from them. The previous one from Tom Huddlestone found the first man, but this time, it's completely over-hit, and West Ham have a throw on the far side.

Kevin Nolan, who has rarely featured tonight, attempts to steamroller his way through on goal but he is hounded out by the Hull backline.

SUBSTITUTION! Yannick Sagbo is on for Hull. He will be facing his half-brother Guy Demel, who continues at right-back for the Hammers. Nikica Jelavic is the man who has made way.

SHOT! Straight from the re-start, Kevin Nolan latches onto a knock-down from Andy Carroll, but he sees his driven volley superbly tipped away by Steve Harper.

SHOT! Finally, we have some action! Up the other end, Tom Huddlestone cuts inside onto his left foot before firing a 25-yard effort on goal which is tipped over the crossbar by Adrian.

Despite having 10 men, Hull have dominated possession since the break, with the figures reading 63% to 37%.

Hull are really pushing for an equaliser. They are spraying the ball about with ease, keeping West Ham penned in their own half. Liam Rosenior does excellently down the left, and it requires a fine header at the back post from a home defender to clear the danger.

A cross is sent into the box from the right, but Shane Long can only head the ball over the crossbar from eight yards. That was half a chance. There will be four minutes of added-on time.

Yannick Sagbo looks to connect with a delightful pass from Tom Huddlestone but he can't connect, despite a desperate slide in the box. That could be it for the Tigers.

The full-time whistle goes at Upton Park, and West Ham have managed to hold for a 2-1 victory over Hull City. The Tigers can consider themselves unfortunate not to earn a share of the spoils, but their task was always going to be a tough one after the dismissal of Allan McGregor.

West Ham move up to 11th as a result of that victory, while Hull drop down to 13th. However, with Sunderland currently losing 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield, it looks as though they will maintain their eight-point cushion above the relegation zone.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us, and we hope that you return for the Premier League fixtures at the weekend. Goodbye for now.