The Tigers head in search of a third consecutive championship win against Albion.
Sergej Jakirovic wants his Hull City side to maintain the momentum they’ve gained over the last two games as they prepare to send their fans home for Christmas full of festive cheer.
City visit West Brom at the MKM Stadium on Saturday in their final home game of 2025, knowing that three points against the Baggies will secure their spot in the top six by Christmas.
And, while that achievement signifies little at this point in the season compared to May, it is another significant milestone on the path to what appears to be a season in which the Tigers are genuine play-off candidates.
It would also build on City’s strong response to their home defeat to Middlesbrough at the start of the month, when they were four-nil down at halftime.
Since that agonizing night in front of their own fans and the nation’s television cameras, Jakirovic’s players have beaten Wrexham to stop their nine-game unbeaten streak and triumphed 3-1 at Millwall, who were third in the league, in a performance the manager believes was one of their best so far.
“We had a slow start in the game, but after we scored two goals, we controlled everything, and that was, I think, maybe the best performance, especially in our away games,” the manager stated after his team beat Millwall 1-0. “We did not allow too many shots at our goal.
“We were quite compact and stable. In defense, they (his players) played with great intensity and concentration, and with Liam (Millar) and Mo (Belloumi) in front, you are always threatening.
“It was a crucial three points, particularly in this league. You see, you’re now in the top six. I’m constantly monitoring the statistics; for example, we had four games and three defeats, and now we have four games and three wins.
“This is the Championship, and we have to keep this moment and continue like this, because we already showed that we can play good football.”
Ryan Mason, a former City player, is under pressure at The Hawthorns with only two wins in nine games, but last Friday’s victory over Sheffield United alleviated some of the strain.
Only three wins in 20 games against Albion demonstrate how difficult an opponent they have proven to be for the Tigers in previous seasons, and Jakirovic anticipates a usually competitive match.
“They are a good team, they beat Sheffield United,” Jakirovic said about the Baggies. “In the first half, perhaps it was a 50/50 game. Sheffield United may have been better, but West Brom were superior in the second half and played with too much confidence. They play well on the ball, and they have a couple of good players up front. We have analyzed them and are attempting to produce something for Saturday, so I hope we are successful.”
Jakirovic also anticipates a lively home environment at the MKM Stadium for the year’s last game, which he hopes will be reflected in his players. “I expect the fans will be crazy in the stands, so we will try to bring the noise from the stands out onto the pitch,” the Croatian player said.
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