Verdict: Away win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: William Hill
Newcomers Hull City and heavily reinforced Manchester United are two of just four clubs boasting maximum record from first two Premier League fixtures, so no doubt both sides will be looking to extend the impressive start to the season, although the Red Devils are rightly considered favourites to win the clash at KCOM Stadium.
Hull City
The excitement following the promotion to the Premier League was quickly replaced by apprehension at the KCOM Stadium as the fans continued protests against club owners, and there was more cause for concern at Hull City. Long-serving manager Steve Bruce decided to resign following a clash with the club board, while the failure to reinforce the squad over the summer together with a serious injury crisis left the Tigers desperately short of options ahead of the start of the new season. As a result, everybody expected Hull City to be comfortably beaten by champions Leicester City, but the team surprised everyone to record a 2-1 triumph in their opening match. What is more, the Tigers continued the rich vein of form by defeating Swansea on the road, and having also beaten Exeter City in the Capital One Cup second round, they now head into the Manchester United clash brimming with confidence. Nevertheless, the reality is they still lack the quality needed to compete at this level, while the injury situation is not much better than it was a couple of weeks ago, so we don’t really think they have it in them to extend the bright run of results.
Team News
Harry Maguire returned into action in the League Cup clash with Exeter City, but he faces a fight to return to the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Alex Bruce, Michael Dawson, Moses Odubajo and Allan McGregor remain in the infirmary. Josh Tymon and Greg Luer face fitness tests.
Manchester United
Manchester United were always going to show improvement following the arrival of Jose Mourinho, and with the Portuguese having made just the right signings, the Red Devils are now rightly considered one of the main candidates for the Premier League trophy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic not only proved that age is just a number in his case, but also that he can be the striker Man Utd have been missing ever since Robin van Persie left. And while many believe Paul Pogba should not be the world’s most expensive footballer, the Frenchman didn’t need long to show that he can play a key role in helping the Red Devils challenge for major trophies in years to come. Increased competition for places appears to have had a positive effect on the performances of Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini, and, taking everything into account, we fully expect the winning run to continue at KCOM Stadium. Following the Community Shield triumph over champions Leicester City, Manchester United recorded comfortable wins over AFC Bournemouth and Southampton, and we trust them to see off Hull City as well.
Team News
Chris Smalling is expected to return to the side after recovering from injury, and he should take Daley Blind’s place in the heart of defence.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is pushing for a first start since joining the club, and Juan Mata could make way for the former Borussia Dortmund hotshot.
Key Factors to Consider
- Man Utd won seven of last eight matches vs Hull City
- Hull failed to score in three of their last five meetings
- Both sides have won all their fixtures this season
- The Tigers still have several starters on the sidelines
- Zlatan has scored four goals in three outings for Man Utd
Conclusion
Against all odds, Hull City have enjoyed a bright start to the new campaign, but we fully expect red-hot Manchester United to put an end to their run and make it four victories on the bounce. The Tigers’ makeshift defence will struggle to contain the likes of Zlatan, Rooney, Martial and Pogba.
Verdict: Away win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: William Hill
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