Hull's a family affair for Demel

Guy Demel could come face to face with his half brother when West Ham United take on Hull City at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday night.

Yannick Sagbo joined the Tigers from French club Evian last summer and was a used substitute in their 1-0 victory over the Hammers earlier this season, although Demel did not emerge from the bench that day.

The pair could therefore take to the field together for the first time this evening, although Demel is not expecting any favours from his relative.

"He won't be answering the phone to me!" he said. "It's going to be strange, it's just the second time that we've had a match against each other after the away game earlier in the season.

"I'm happy for him and the season he's had, but on Wednesday the most important thing is that we get the three points."

Sagbo could feature at the Boleyn Ground, although Hull boss Steve Bruce has several striking options at his disposal. Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic have been in good form since joining the Tigers in January, while Matty Fryatt is another useful alternative.

"We just have to concentrate on our shape and on how we're going to play," Demel explained.

"Whether it's Long, Jelavic or whoever, we have to make sure we're compact and have a good solid back four, midfield and striker and that we work well as a team, because then we know they won't have many chances to score.

"It is a very important game for us. After the last game and the few results before we need the three points."

The Hammers have lost their last three fixtures so Demel is well aware that a return to form is required as quickly as possible.

West Ham go into the game on 31 points from 30 games played and in need of recording a handful of victories to cement their top-flight place for another season.

He added: "We need to get back winning and this is a good opportunity to play at home against Hull. We have to make sure we get points on the board from our games against Hull and Sunderland because that would make things easier for us.

"It's a more important match than the one against Manchester United, even though of course we tried our best to get some points. We have to get points in every game and obviously against Hull we will be ready and able to win.

"They are having quite a good season. They are in the middle of the table and are playing at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-finals so it's a good year for them.

"Hull have a good manager and a good team, they stick to the basics but we just have to make sure that we get back to winning at home."