Premier League Preview: Hull City v. Manchester United
Getty Images - Hull have the best home defense in the Premier League this season (three goals conceded).
- Manchester United have won 16 of the last 17 games they have played on December 26, with the defeat away Middlesbrough in 2002 the exception.
- Hull’s only previous Premier League game on December 26 was a 5-1 defeat at Man City which saw then-manager Phil Brown conduct the half-time team talk on the pitch.
For Hull, it’s a chance to continue their under-appreciated form of having lost only one of their last five Premier League matches, a 2-0 loss to Arsenal. Granted, the Tigers only took all three points once during that stretch but the three draws proves just how tough this side can be.
This is especially true at home where Hull has won four times, drawn once and lost three times. That ties them for the 7th best home form in the league.
United enter the match eighth in the table, their lowest position at Christmas in 24 years. They’ve improved of late, however, looking impressive in their last three in all competitions, comprehensively defeating Aston Villa 3-0, Stoke City 2-0 (League Cup) and West Ham 3-1.
Perhaps most impressive is that United’s improved form has arrived without any help from Robin van Persie, who has been sidelined with a hip/thigh injury. In his absence players like Danny Welbeck, Adnan Januzaj and the much-maligned Ashley Young have stepped up in a big way.
Most important for United is that they appear to have found their sense of identity under Moyes. They have a grittier, meaner look to them. They’re playing with chip on their shoulder, like they have something to prove. Which they do.
It makes for exciting times in the Premier League. And while they may be 8th in the table, United are just at eight points adrift of leaders, Liverpool. Without going so far as to say they are title contenders, that’s a margin that United could easily close over the next 21 matches.
If they are to make that move, taking care of smaller clubs like Hull is a necessity. They’ll have to do it without RVP, Michael Carrick (calf), Marouane Fellaini (wrist) and Nani (hamstring).
Hull have some injury concerns as well, with Robbie Brady (groin), Sone Aluko (calf) and Stephen Quinn (hamstring) all due to be out.
What They’re Saying
United winger Ashley Young: “It’s vitally important (to win) now we are going into this busy Christmas and new year period. Getting wins and points on the board is what we want to do. We’ve got nine points up for grabs between now and the new year and we want to keep building that momentum.”
Hull manager Steve Bruce (on Robbie Brady): “He’s had an injection into his groin which will take a couple of weeks to settle. We hope that does the trick. It’s been a frustrating time for him and us. We need our big players.”
Prediction
With a lot of ex-United players in their ranks (James Chester, Corry Evans, Paul McShane and Robbie Brady) I expect Hull to make life difficult on Moyes’ squad. But the Red Devils current form is too convincing for me – United should win this one by a goal.
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