Date: Thursday, December 26 Venue: KC Stadium Kick-Off: 12:45 Can Manchester United keep alive their title defence with a much-needed win over old boy Steve Bruce's Hull?
Team News
Hull boss Steve Bruce could field an unchanged side for the fourth time in a row when Manchester United visit the KC Stadium on Boxing Day. With Robbie Brady out with a groin injury, Bruce may send out the same XI that has drawn against Swansea, Stoke and West Brom. United have a series of injury concerns. Striker Danny Welbeck is a doubt after picking up a knock against West Ham while fellow forward Robin van Persie is also unlikely to be involved. Midfield duo Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini are definitely out with respective Achilles and wrist injuries. (Sky Sports)
Key Stats
Manchester United have won 16 of the last 17 games they have played on Boxing Day, with the away defeat to Middlesbrough in 2002 the only exception. Of current Premier League sides, Hull City have the lowest points-per-game record in December (0.80 - 12 points from 15 games). Hull have conceded only three goals in eight Premier League home games this season and have the best home defence in the division. United are on a run of four straight wins in all competitions.
Likely Line-Ups
Hull McGregor, Chester, Bruce, Davies, Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Meyler, Figueroa, Sagbo, Graham Man Utd De Gea, Evra, Evans, Smalling, Rafael, Valencia, Cleverley, Jones, Young, Januzaj, Rooney
Match Preview
Hull City manager Steve Bruce will be looking to play the role of Scrooge in this Christmas pantomime as the former Manchester United player prepares to welcome his old side to the KC Stadium. Every game United play these days is billed as a "must win" and there's an element of truth to that - one more defeat will probably cost them their title. And that's what the Tigers will be looking to do to their visitors on Boxing Day and sap the festive cheer from the champions, who are on a four-match undefeated run in all competitions after recovering from successive home defeats earlier this month. But Hull know they are up against it - United are notoriously imperious at this time of year - they've won 16 of the last 17 Boxing Day fixtures and will be hungry for a win that could haul them back into top four contention. I can't see United returning to Manchester without three points and I'm backing them to win here. Prediction: 1-3
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
