Manchester United vs Hull City Preview

Manchester United is set to go top of the premier league with a win at Old Trafford against Hull on Saturday.

In the last season Hull City 4-3 lost at Old Trafford. It was a great game where United won three points but Hull won hearts with their enthusiastic performance. Hull boss Phil Brown believes that his side can shock United at Old Trafford. Last time when Hull visited Manchester they drew with Manchester City in November. Phil Brown is spirited after the draw against Spurs at White Hart Lane.

In spite of Phil Brown’s positive mentality it is still very difficult to win at Old Trafford. Sir Alex knows that this win is important for United, because it will help them to go top in the table.

Team News
Manchester United's defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium in the Carling Cup semi-final, epitomizes a run of erratic results in the last two months were United's lack of depth has been found out. Wayne Rooney is having a dip in form and this has affected United rather adversely. The lack of options upfront with Berbatov and Owen showing very little consistency has Sir Alex scratching his head. The blossoming of Mame Biram Diouf though is a brilliant sign for United's future.

United have looked vulnerable against the top teams throughout the campaign. The Red Devils seem incapable of matching the quality on the ball of the two London sides, something that is absolutely essential to win the Premier League title.

Injuries
Manchester United
John O'Shea is out of the rest of the season with a major leg injury. Owen Hargreaves will remain absent. Rio Ferdinand will have to pass a fitness test on Friday, and may play in the game. Dimitar Berbatov is already suffering from his leg and may not play in order to keep him fresh for the second leg of Carling Cup.

In the coming week United have two huge games to play, first the derby clash and then a trip to Emirates to play high-flying Arsenal. Sir Alex may opt to rest few of his first team regulars this week to ensure that he has a fully fit squad for those two more crucial games. In this situation Sir Alex should try Owen Rooney combination upfront. He may also go for Mame Diouf along with Rooney upfront with Berbatov and Owen on bench.

Hull City
Hull will miss their most creative player Jimmy Bullard (out with knee ligament tear) and their skipper Ian Ashbee (out for the season). They will also miss the services of Seyi Olofinjana and Daniel Cousin who are at the African Cup of Nations.

Probable Line Up

Manchester United
Van Der Sar
Neville Brown Evans Rafael
Valencia Scholes Anderson Giggs
Owen Rooney

Hull City
Myhill
Zayatte Gardner McShane Dawson
Hunt Boateng Geovanni Barmby
Garcia Zaki

Score Prediction
Manchester United 3
Hull City 1

Man to Watch
Wayne Rooney
Boaz Myhill