Premier League Preview: Manchester City – Hull City

Kick-Off: Saturday, Novermber 28, 15:00 GMT
City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

Saturday’s clash between Manchester City and Hull City instantly rekindles memories of last seasons’ clash, and Phil Brown’s infamous half-time, on-pitch team talk.

Hull’s dismal run of form after last season’s match is well documented, but interestingly it is the financially bubbling Manchester City side who will be most troubled by their latest form.  Given City’s expenditure over the summer months, scoring goals was always going to be inevitable – considering the attacking prowess of their strike force. The problem is, however, that they are conceding the same amount.

Mark Hughes’ side have now drawn six league matches on the bounce; and in a season where Liverpool have been struggling, a point at Anfield last time out could even be regarded as two points dropped.

Hull City on the other hand are in great form, unbeaten in their last three matches – and with seven points gained from their last three home games. In a transitional period which many believed would culminate in Brown’s departure, the conviction that he has instilled in his players has been nothing short of remarkable.

Nevertheless, the boys in sky blue will not continue to draw matches, and anything can happen when Hull take to the road, as last season proved on more than one occasion.

FORM GUIDE

Manchester City

21 Nov: Liverpool 2-2 Man City
07 Nov: Man City 3-3 Burnley
01 Nov: Birmingham 0-0 Man City
28 Oct: Man City 5-1 Scunthorpe (League Cup)
25 Oct: Man City 2-2 Fulham

Hull City

25 Nov: Hull City 3-2 Everton
21 Nov: Hull City 3-3 West Ham
08 Nov:  Hull City 2-1 Stoke City
31 Oct:  Burnley 2-0 Hull City
24 Oct:  Hull City 0-0 Portsmouth

TEAM NEWS

Manchester City

Kolo Toure, who was forced off at half-time during the 2-2 draw at Anfield, should return to the side, although Martin Petrov is set to miss out with a knee injury.

City could be boosted by the return of Robinho. The Brazilian forward has been out of action since September with a stress fracture of his ankle, but is likely to be named in City’s squad.

Michael Johnson is available for selection, with coach Eddie Niedzwiecki referring to his a return as akin to a “new signing”.  The young midfielder will most likely have to make do with a place on the bench, though.

Possible line-up: Given, Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, De Jong, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Ireland, Bellamy, Adebayor.

Hull City

Having been rested during their midweek victory over Everton, Jimmy Bullard is set to be recalled by Phil Brown to boost the Hull midfield.

Bernard Mendy returns after serving a one-match suspension (sent off against the West Ham); however, their match-winner against Stoke City, Seyi Olofinjana, is doubtful with a hamstring injury.

Possible line-up: Duke, Mendy, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Garcia, Marney, Bullard, Hunt, Geovanni, Altidore.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City - Stephen Ireland

So far this season, the young Irishman has yet to rekindle his superb form from last term – but nevertheless has weighed in with a respectable contribution of two goals in eight Premier League appearances.

Arguably the biggest success story from the City youth academy, Ireland’s confidence would have been given a much-needed boost after scoring at Anfield last week, and I fully expect him to pull the strings from midfield at Eastlands on Saturday afternoon.

Hull City - Jimmy Bullard

The bubbly midfielder has the talent to illuminate a match like a firework display, but as with rockets and sparklers his persistent injuries restrict him to dazzling only a few times a year.

The former Fulham man has been nothing short of exceptional in the matches in which he has featured for Hull City, and if they can get their talented midfielder on the ball, not to mention the pitch this Saturday, he may well be able to conjure-up some magic for the visitors.

PREDICTION

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end – and I feel that both good and bad fortunes will have been dashed by five o’clock on Saturday.

Despite Hull’s impressive form of late, this is arguably a very good time for Manchester City to be playing them.  Phil Brown’s side will go for the jugular from the outset, and this is will give City’s talented players the time and space to punish their opponents. And don’t be surprised if Hull are picked off on the counter-attack either.

Manchester City 3-1 Hull City

Richard Parry, Goal.com