Prediction: Hull City vs Manchester United

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365

Even if they are more concerned with the Premier League survival battle, Hull City will attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg and make it to the EFL Cup final. That is easier said than done after the 2-0 loss at Old Trafford, with their opponents desperate to win some silverware this season.

Hull City

Hull City may be fighting for their lives in the current Premier League campaign, but they have had their share of historic achievements in recent years. The first ever FA Cup final was followed by the maiden European qualification and now the Tigers have reached the League Cup semis for the first time in club’s history. The challenge now is to attempt to make it to the final, which is clearly a tall order after the 2-0 defeat in the first leg. Marouane Fellaini’s late goal two weeks ago put the Red Devils into the driving seat, but having shown a great deal of improvement in recent weeks, the Tigers are not without chances in this match. New manager Marco Silva appears to have quickly helped the players restore the lost confidence, and even with important midfielder Jake Livermore leaving to join West Brom, Hull City have produced several very good performances of late, especially at their KCOM Stadium. While losing eight successive matches on the road, the Tigers have comfortably beaten Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth in their previous two home fixtures, and that will give them confidence going into the Manchester United clash.

Team News

January recruits Evandro and Omar Elabdellaoui were both in the starting XI that gave Chelsea a tough time at Stamford Bridge and they should keep their places, while Lazar Markovic has joined the club as well.

Ryan Mason is recovering from a skull fracture, but West Ham target Robert Snodgrass could return into action in midweek.

Manchester United

This season did not start well for Manchester United, but Jose Mourinho ultimately managed to correct some of his mistakes and got the team playing the way he wanted them to. A nine-match winning streak on all fronts saw the Red Devils kick-start their top 4 bid in the Premiership, but also helped them progress in domestic cup competitions, and they are now on the verge of reaching the EFL Cup final. Manchester United were quite patient in the first leg and were eventually rewarded for their efforts with two second-half goals that give them confidence heading to the KCOM Stadium. The Red Devils have since shared spoils with Liverpool and Stoke City in the league, so this will feel as a good opportunity to return to winning ways. With the FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic next, Jose Mourinho is widely expected to field his strongest side against Hull City and give his side the best possible chance of securing their place at Wembley. Man Utd are unbeaten in last seven matches on the road (W5 D2), while they have already defeated the Tigers away from home this season.

Team News

Jose Mourinho should have Marcos Rojo back from illness, whereas Michael Carrick and Matteo Darmian will be recalled. Eric Bailly is unlikely to be in contention, although he will soon return to the club.

Key Factors to Consider

• Man Utd have five wins in last seven away games (D2)
• They scored no fewer than 13 goals in the process
• The Red Devils won nine of last ten matches vs Hull City (D1)
• The Tigers did not score in their last four meetings
• Hull City lost four of last five home games vs Man Utd

Conclusion

Hull City have been showing improvement under Marco Silva, but their shocking record in meetings with Manchester United is bound to place extra pressure on the hosts, who are aware they have mountain to climb. This is why we are backing the Red Devils to win the return match as well.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365