Hull City v Manchester United Premier League preview

Hull are looking to score for the first time in 4 games on Sunday, hosting a weakened Manchester United that conceded 3 goals at Fulham before Christmas.

Hull City

0 goals in the 2 games Jimmy Bullard has been missing. They didn’t create anything against Arsenal last weekend but they can be forgiven, coming up against a title contender. The same could be said about this game, except that Manchester United’s defensive injuries are there to be exploited. While the champions are welcoming back their two Brazilian full backs, it’s questionable how much strength they add to the back. This will allow Darren Fletcher back into the centre of midfield from which he can neutralise the creative abilities of Geovanni. There’s little else in the way of creativity in the Hull squad. Defensively they must be careful of United’s set pieces, particularly if Nemanja Vidic returns in time. Darron Gibson should not be overlooked either in the centre of midfield.

Form
WDLDL

Injuries/Suspensions
Jimmy Bullard
Ian Ashbee

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has rushed both Fabio and Rafael da Silva back for this game, suggesting Patrice Evra may move into central defence alongside Michael Carrick. Both Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown are listed as doubts but I would expect at least one to make the bench if this system backfires again. This will allow Darren Fletcher to move back into his holding midfield role that adds a big protection to the back four that has been missing when he has played at right back recently. Don’t be surprised to see Anderson play in midfield either. Ryan Giggs is also unlikely to play which is a loss going forward. I can see Darron Gibson playing a big part in this match. Both with his service and long shots. Wayne Rooney enjoys playing against poor defences and will be looking to get on the scoresheet from opening play for the first time in 3 weeks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dimitar Berbatov get the no ahead of Michael Owen in this one. Manchester United fans would probably prefer the England international ahead of the disappointing Bulgarian.

Form
WWLWL

Injuries/Suspensions
Federico Macheda
Ryan Giggs
Nani
Gary Neville
Edwin van der Sar
John O’Shea
Jonny Evans
Rio Ferdinand
Owen Hargreaves

Manchester United are certainly struggling at the back as the results are showing. Their midfield need to win this one for them. Fletcher and Anderson protecting the defence, Gibson and Valencia creating the chances, should those 4 play. If things go well for United here, expect Rooney to be on the scoresheet. I don’t see United dropping points in this one.

Best bet: Manchester United to win 2/5