Hull City have some defending to do again as Mark Noble's shot is blocked by Curtis Davies before Diafra Sakho sends a cross towards the far post, where Michael Dawson towers above Enner Valencia to head away.

Former Hull winger Kevin Kilbane at the KC Stadium
BBC Radio 5 live

"Mo Diame is really looking to exert himself. Steve Bruce has given him licence to roam."

Charlie Smith:, external Hull have really got some decent names in this squad. Not only that but so many players with a point to prove.

Ahmed:, external How many games has Ahmed Elmohamady started for Hull in a row? Consistent, solid and very reliable.

James Rowan:, external Hull have got plenty of proven names but Big Sam knows what he's doing.

West Ham embark on their first foray into the Hull City half as Mauro Zarate swings a ball into the area, which is thighed away by Tom Huddlestone.

Having been involved in Hull's early attacks, Mo Diame is back defending too. The midfielder is evidently determined to send out a message to his former employer.

Former Hull winger Kevin Kilbane at the KC Stadium
BBC Radio 5 live

"Abel Hernandez wants to go out and make an impression and his first touch has been good in the chances he has had to impress up to now."

Mo Diame is straight into the thick of things against his former side as he wins an attacking throw-in for Hull. Andrew Robertson then swings in a teasing cross which is punched away by Adrian, before Abel Hernandez tries to bulldoze his way into the area.

Bright start by the hosts.

Former Hull winger Kevin Kilbane at the KC Stadium
BBC Radio 5 live

"We wondered earlier what the atmosphere would be like with the potential sale of Hull. I can tell you it's a wonderful atmosphere."

Gary in Preston via text: Can't help thinking this is Big Sam's last game. Hull too strong.

Terrific atmosphere inside the KC Stadium as Hull City gets things under way.

Hull Daily Mail football writer Philip Buckingham:, external Never seen Hull City look better on paper. Only Curtis Davies in the starting XI not an international.

Steve Bruce certainly seems to have got his wish with regards to Hull City fans getting behind their team and not getting caught up in off-the-pitch matters. Plenty of smiling faces in the home crowd, perhaps hinting at an air of optimism after the club's impressive work in the transfer market.

Tigers skipper Curtis Davies chats with a Hull City mascot about a football computer game as the players wait in the tunnel. Five minutes until kick off.

Image source, Getty Images

Mark Daws:, external Big Sam has a mandate to finish in the top ten and it is great seeing the team setting up to attack away from home.

Jamie Downes:, external I do like Hull's players. Ben Arfa and Ramirez are class, and Hernandez is an exciting prospect.

Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter:, external West Ham laid on free coaches for 1,000 plus fans travelling to Hull. Good luck with the A1 on the way back.

Autumn is evidently fast approaching. It is not even eight o'clock and there are dark skies above the KC Stadium, where a fair number of fans in the stands have their heads buried in the matchday programme.

With a number of new players on show tonight, perhaps putting names to the faces?

Good news Josh [see previous entry], West Ham co-chairman David Gold, external tweeted earlier today that Andy Carroll has resumed training and that he hopes to have him back for selection in November.

Scoring goals was one of West Ham's problems last season, with not one player getting into double figures. Could Enner Valencia and a fit-again Carroll put that right this time?

Image source, Getty Images

Ryan Woodward:, external West Ham look like a team under a lot of pressure. Somebody whose targets are a bit too above their reach right now.

Josh Dunne:, external West Ham to push for Europe when Andy Carroll returns.

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst

"This is a West Ham team with better attacking options following the transfer window, but I don't see manager Sam Allardyce thinking, 'let's take these on'. They also go there on the back of a 3-1 defeat at home to Southampton, so will be a bit more cautious.

"Regarding Hull, they've had a proactive transfer window, bringing in the likes of Uruguay striker Abel Hernandez for a club-record £10m fee, while the mercurial Hatem Ben Arfa has joined on loan from Newcastle.

"It will also help them that they are out of the Europa League - you need two good players in every position if you are going to try to balance a cup run and league fixtures. I think the Tigers will edge this one 2-1."

Read more from Lawro's Premier League predictions

BBC Radio 5 live's Juliette Ferrington, external at the KC Stadium: Working with these village idiots on 5 live. Full commentary with Steve Bower and Kevin Kilbane coming up!

There have been a fair few tweets asking why Alex Song is not in West Ham's first XI, and Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has given an indication to Sky Sports as to why the on-loan Barcelona midfielder is on the bench: "It is very difficult when you get new players from abroad - when do you put them in? At some stage you have to do it and hope they get up to the level of the Premier League.

"Our new players have to make an impact. They have to make us more fluent in our play and hopefully produce more goals. Steve Bruce has the same thing at Hull - new players who have joined for this season."

Alex Barriball:, external How can Alex Song not be starting for West Ham?

Bibhash Dash:, external If Hull finish in top 10 that will keep my better half very happy. If Man Utd finish top four, I'm happy. Peace all round.

Daniel Walford:, external Dear Mr Bruce, please put your son in the team tonight so my fantasy team will get points... cheers.

Bad news, Daniel. Alex Bruce is not involved.