Stoke City and Hull City better than Pundits expectations

Soccer punters did not expect Stoke City and Hull City – two of last term’s promoted teams – to do as well as they have done in Premiership League thus far; the visiting Hull City at Stoke City being far better in the season proper. In fact, both the Potters and Tigers, were two of the favourites tipped to go back down to the Championship League, but Stoke’s fine home form has seen them climb to 14th in the table, while Hulk’s impressive away form, sees them in sixth spot.

Last Saturday, Stoke City beat West Bromwich 1:0 at home. They have gone 3-1-2 in their last six matches, picking up ten points. Meanwhile, Hull City recorded their second back-to-back draw at Portsmouth (2:2) last weekend. However, a glance at their last six matches reveals a slightly concerning development. After beating West Bromwich 3:0 on the away, Hull City failed to win the subsequent five. They have gone 1-2-3 in their last six, picking up only five points.

Both clubs will be looking to pick up the three points on Saturday and improve their standing in the table. For Hull it is a matter of getting back to their winning ways, whereas, Stoke will attempt to make it back-to-back wins.

Soccer Betting Line:

Stoke City pk -135 +145 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +225

Hull City pk +115 +185 2½ O Ev U -120 Draw +225

Match Time: 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time Saturday November 29, 2008

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Stoke City +145: Stoke City moved out of the relegation zone on the back of the ten points they picked up in the last six matches. They are fresh off a home win against West Bromwich and they will fancy their chances for another home victory. They face some setbacks with injuries to Striker Kitson and defender Shawcross who were substituted during last weekend's win over West Brom with knee and back problems respectively. Captain Andy Griffin is cleared to play but he will be sporting a cast on the hand he broke in the victory against Albion.

Hull City +185: Hull City has suffered a dip in form over their last six so the Tigers will be anxious to get their season back on track. Still, they are amongst the top ten in the table; surely, not for long, if they continue their run of poor results. However, after three consecutive losses they have managed to score back-to-back draws so a win is within reach. And given their away record – 4-1-1 in their last six away matches they are quite capable of seizing the win on Saturday.

Soccer Betting Verdict: This will be a close match as both sides will be anxious for the three points. Stoke City is not doing as well as Hull City in the season proper but they have had a better run of results lately. At home, they are equally impressive as Hull is away going 4-0-2. Given that the club’s respective strengths will collide on Saturday, the best pick would be the draw at +225. The theory: Stoke’s impressive home record will neutralize Hull’s away record. Defensively, both sides are quite porous, so the over 2.5 goals is a good bet. Hull has combined for 11 goals on the away and allowed seven. Stoke has scored eight in their last five home matches and allowed two.

Soccer Free Picks: Draw +225 | Over 2.5 goals Even

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room