Hull City v Manchester City Betting Preview

Coming off an invaluable point at home to Chelsea midweek, can Hull City match that success against Manchester City on Saturday?

Hull City

A confidence-boosting 1-1 draw for Hull City wasn’t enough to move them out of the relegation zone. Their midweek game is followed up with another tough task against Manchester City. Jimmy Bullard scored an equaliser ahead of a memorable celebration back in November when Hull took a surprise point. That was the start of a 10 game winless streak for Hull that continues to this day. That was Jimmy Bullard’s last game and they could really do with him back as soon as possible. Their strikers continue to provide few goals to the team, but they do offer a physical game. Jozy Altidore won a penalty from which Stephen Hunt scored from against Wolves last weekend. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink hasn’t settled in well and could lose his place in the starting line up to Amr Zaki. But which Zaki will we see at Hull? Him and Geovanni in the same team is a big gamble from Phil Brown, but it’s what he needs to take with the position Hull are in. Hull have a decent home record, only losing 3 of 12 games here, but they need to win more if they want to avoid relegation.

Last 5 games
LDLDD

Injuries/Suspensions
Jimmy Bullard
Ian Ashbee

Manchester City

It wasn’t a vintage performance from Manchester City last weekend, but they came away with 3 points against Portsmouth. Another similar performance here and they will be pushed to take all 3 points. Despite challenging for a Champions League place it wasn’t enough to persuade Emmanuel Adebayor to put some effort in. While he scored a great goal, he barely broke stride during the 90 minutes he was on the pitch. Ideally for Manchester City, Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy will start this game up front. Adam Johnson is an option for Roberto Mancini on the wing, and so is Shaun Wright-Phillips as he makes his comeback from a long layoff. Manchester City have the talent, but need to work harder than they often do against the weaker teams if they want to win this one. Defending from set pieces will be important too for them. Patrick Vieira says he is fit enough for selection as he awaits his Manchester City debut.

Last 5 games
LWWLW

Injuries/Suspensions
Roque Santa Cruz
Joleon Lescott
Michael Johnson
Wayne Bridge

The bookmakers have tried to tempt us into betting on Manchester City here but the odds still don’t appeal to me. Especially if Emmanuel Adebayor starts. There’s value in the draw and the brave will lay Manchester City here. I will avoid backing them, at least before kickoff.

Hull City to win 9/2

Draw 12/5

Manchester City to win 3/4