Prediction: Hull vs Manchester United

In spite of losing last three Premier League fixtures, Hull City can still avoid the drop, albeit only if they beat indifferent Manchester United and Newcastle fail to defeat West Ham at home. The Red Devils may have already secured a top 4 finish, but they will want to play it fair and square and win the final fixture of the season.

Hull City will only have themselves to blame if they go down, having largely struggled since the turn of the year. While recording back to back wins over Crystal Palace and Liverpool, the Tigers suffered three straight defeats either side of that short promising run, with home loss to already relegated Burnley likely to prove costly. Jake Livermore’s failed drug test gave Steve Bruce and everyone at the club more to worry about, although no doubt the former Manchester United defender and his players will be fully focused on the curtain closer against the Red Devils. Hull City head into the final game on the back of three defeats on the bounce, but the good news is their next opponents have nothing to play for and they are likely to arrive at KC Stadium without several star players. That will give the Tigers a fair chance of winning on the final day of the season, and taking Newcastle’s dismal form of late into account, that may just prove enough to survive the drop. The likes of Gaston Ramirez, Robert Snodgrass and Momo Diame continue to miss out, meaning the hosts could be unchanged from the Tottenham game.

Manchester United ultimately achieved their minimum goal for the season, having clinched Champions League qualification, meaning they will have something to build on ahead of the new campaign. The Red Devils could be in for a busy summer seeing as though they still lack quality options in most areas, while a number of high-profile players, including Falcao, Van Persie and Di Maria, are being linked with summer exits. Another injury to evergreen Michael Carrick appears to be the main reason for team’s poor finish of the season and the over-reliance on the England international is another issue that Louis van Gaal needs to address. Both Ander Herrera and Daley Blind have shown a great deal of potential in the first season at Old Trafford, but everyone can see that Manchester United are not the same team without Carrick. Seeing as the final fixture of the season against Hull has no significance for the Red Devils, Louis van Gaal can be trusted to make wholesale changes to the starting line-up, with Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw unlikely to be risked. The likes of James Wilson, Paddy NcNair, Adnan Januzaj and Angel Di Maria are all tipped to start.

Conclusion

Even if Manchester United are unlikely to roll over for Hull City, the lack of motivation and absence of key players will make the Tigers’ job a whole lot easier. This means that the hosts might just record the win they need to stay alive, although it remains to be seen if Newcastle can spoil the party.

Verdict: Hull Draw no bet

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: William Hill