It's CHRISTMAS yet again and we all know what that means to Premier League clubs fighting for survival, European qualification and the much coveted EPL crown. It is crunch time even more so for Manchester United and Hull City. A bad run for either side will put paid to their different dreams.
United's dearly beloved son and former skipper, Steve Bruce leads the tigers who have done really well up till now. The KC Stadium is something of a fortress now for Hull. Only Crystal Palace managed to win there and table toppers Liverpool were soundly beaten a couple of weeks ago. When Manchester United visit any ground in the World, the buzz is always high and the game high octane and nerve wracking. Hull's 5-5-7 record and 12th place is very decent. There are connections between both sides as Jonny Evans will be playing against his brother, Corry. James Chester and Robbie Brady are all former Manchester United players who couldn't find a place in the team, hence sought for pastures new. Friendship, brotherhood and what have you, will be put to one side when both teams clash on Boxing day.
Manchester United love this period. The red army have won the last 10 battles on boxing day dating back to 2002 when they last dropped points in a 3-1 humbling by Middlesbrough. When it is Xmas and New Year, United click into gear and raise the bar higher, beyond the reach of anyone. Traditionally, this is time the EPL table shapes up and we are able to differentiate contenders from also-rans. The defending champions lie in 8th position, eight points behind Xmas Leaders, Liverpool. The gap could be trimmed after Thursday games. 8th is the lowest position United have occupied at Christmas since 1989. Moyes will be hoping lady luck has something good in store for him and his team when the new year comes along.
Hull City tigers earned a creditable point last time out at the Hawthorns and will be looking to build on an impressive home form on Thursday afternoon. Victory will do them a world of good and add more daylight between them and those battling to beat the drop. Steve Bruce's side are 7 points ahead of Crystal Palace in 18th. That is no guarantee that they will not be drawn into the relegation dogfight.
TEAM NEWS
HULL CITY-
McGregor, Chester, Bruce, Davies, El Mohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Meyler, Figueroa, Graham, Sagbo
Steve Bruce will be without Robbie Brady for yet another game as he is still struggling with a groin injury. Quiinn, Dudgeon and Aluko are long term absentees with hamstring, knee and achilles problems. Yannick Sagbo has been very industrious and hardworking this season. He's worked his socks off and provided more than expected, although the goals return isn't impressive. Danny Graham broke his goal duck against former club Swansea, but still remains goals shy. Hull don't possess a potent striker/attacking threat, but they all work very hard to make up for that. With Livermore and Tom in midfield, United can expect to have their hands full on Thursday, without doubt.
MANCHESTER UNITED-
DDG, Rafa, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Jones, Cleverley, TonyV, Januzaj, Rooney, Welbeck
Danny Welbeck limped off in the 2nd half of the West Ham game on Saturday but is expected to shake off whatever niggles and spearhead the United attack. Wayne Rooney has been as selfless as ever since the Aston villa game. He has put in shifts in midfield to stabilise the team and the results are glaring for all to see. I never thought I'd find myself saying this, but he is INDISPENSABLE at the moment and b y far, the most important team member at the Club. However, fans will be on his case to try and increase his goal tally in the League as he hasn't scored since the Spurs game. Moyes is praying and hoping that RVP and Carrick will be fit to play their part in the run-in. This game might come too soon for them. Nemanja Vidic could return to the set-up.
The festive period traditionally throws up a crucial run of games for all Premier League clubs, testing fitness, mental strength and squad depth. It is squeaky bum time. Slack and be left gasping for breath. A boxing day win could herald a new wave of glory for sides looking to accumulate the required points to achieve their personal objectives. Start well, end even better.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
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