HULL CITY BETTING TIPS 2009/10 PREMIER LEAGUE

It all started so brightly for Hull City last year, catapulting to the top of the table and actually holding their position for quite a few weeks was one of the most impressive feats I'd seen in quite some time. However, the second part of the season was just abysmal and their home form is among the worst ever in the Premier League. Phil Brown can win games against top teams, but they struggle against lower-table opposition who need the points. Hull won't be able to catch anybody off-guard this year, and the bookies are tipping them to have a very bleak year. Hull are favourites for relegation ahead of newly promoted Wolves. Should Hull go down, you're looking at an odds-on price of 4/5. Should Phil Brown's men stay up, you're looking at another odds-on price of 10/11. Clearly, Hull and Wolves are expected to duke it out all season. In my opinion, the only thing Hull have a chance of winning this year is the Top North East Club betting market at William Hill, and even there they're underdogs. Sunderland are the only competing club and they're listed at 1/4 while Hull pay out at 11/4. Sunderland struggled late last season and there's a chance they could finish lower than Hull. A chance anyway. If you're a Hull City fan, I say back them against your local rivals. Last year, Hull just escaped relegation on the last day and they boast a 4/5 price to finish lower, 16/5 to finish in 17th again (not a bad bet actually) and 2/1 to finish higher. This one could be a tough year for the Tigers, but with Jimmy Bullard looking to return from injury soon and Brown just announcing the signing of upstart American striker Jozy Altidore, they could finally have the firepower they're looking for. More signings might be needed and I expect them to double-down in the January transfer window if things are looking pear-shaped. Hull can stay up, but it's going to take more hard work from Phil Brown and a 20 goal-striker to do so.