Hull travel to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon, hoping to overturn fourth placed Manchester City. Hull have been formidable at home under Marco Silva, who incidentally hasn’t lost a game at home as a manager in three years, but they’ve been disappointing away from the KC Stadium. Meanwhile, Manchester City were on a run of three consecutive draws until they travelled to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night and lost, a night where many believe that this season’s Premier League title was won by Chelsea. City’s last league victory came away from home to bottom-placed Sunderland at the beginning of March.
The City hierarchy would have hoped for more from Pep Guardiola when he arrived at the club back in the summer. They won their first ten games, but have faded badly since and they’ve looked increasingly vulnerable. As it stands, they’re two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, with one more game to play than the Reds. As cavalier as they are going forward, their poor defence has let them down at points throughout the season.
On the other hand, Hull are scrapping to survive in the Premier League. They did however climb out of the relegation zone, thanks to their 4-2 victory over relegation rivals Middlesbrough and they’re now 17th in the table with 30 points, two clear of Swansea in 18th. Their away form is a concern though and with no away wins since August, they’ve been forced to target home fixtures. This game against Manchester City is a free swing for Silva’s team. No one’s expecting them to win or leave with a point, so if they do, it’ll be a bonus in their survival battle.
Manchester City vs. Hull Predictions
This should be an easy home win for City. They need to win to keep up the pressure on the top four and while Hull are good at home, they’re poor away. Leroy Sane has been in prolific form in recent weeks and could score against Hull. City’s defence is poor, meaning that there is hope for Hull fans if they can grab an early goal.
Manchester City vs. Hull Betting Tips
- Manchester City to win: 2/11
- Hull to win: 15/1
- Draw: 25/4
- Leroy Sane to score first: 17/4
- Manchester City to win and both teams to score: 7/5
Head to Head
- Manchester City have been beaten just once in nine previous Premier League games against Hull City, a 2-1 loss in February 2010 (W5 D3).
- Hull’s last win in any competition away at Manchester City was in the FA Cup in February 1930, drawing three and losing seven since then.
- Manchester City have lost only one of their last 17 Premier League games at the Etihad (W9 D7 L1), with that defeat coming at the hands of league leaders Chelsea in December.
- Sergio Aguero has scored 25 goals in his last 30 Premier League appearances at the Etihad Stadium.
- Pep Guardiola has suffered six league defeats as Manchester City boss this season, his highest tally in a single league season as a manager.
Manchester City Team News
Gabriel Jesus and Ilkay Gundogan are both suffering from long term injuries, although Jesus returned to training earlier this week. Vincent Kompany could feature made a surprise return to the starting line-up on Wednesday, as did Fabian Delph. Bacary Sagna is likely to miss out.
Hull Team News
Omar Elabdellaoui suffered a back injury last week and is expected to miss out for the trip to the Etihad. Ryan Mason (fractured skull), Moses Odubajo and Will Keane (both knee) aren’t expected to return to action this season. Tom Huddlestone is suspended for this game.