Remarkably, Hull City will take on Manchester United at the KCOM Stadium with both sides looking to continue their perfect starts to the season.
Written off before the season started by pretty much all pundits and journalists alike, given the disastrous state of the club. Yet under caretaker boss, Mike Phelan who both played and coached at Manchester United, the depleted squad have made a great start back in the top flight. An opening day win over reigning champions Leicester City was followed up last week by a shock win away at Swansea.
Not to be outdone, new United boss Jose Mourinho has made a flying start to his reign at Old Trafford. Easy wins over the south coast pair of Bournemouth and Southampton has seen the Red Devils emerged as genuine title challengers after three seasons of disappointment following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Key Battle – Jake Livermore vs Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Given the injuries that have hit the Tigers over recent week, central midfielder Jake Livermore has been forced to move back into the unfamiliar position of centre back. The former Tottenham Hotspur man in manly ways is suited to a deeper role given his powerful preference and passing ability.
Livermore will undoubtedly face his sternest test to date as he takes on United’s stellar number nine, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede is closing in on history, having scored in his first three games for the club. Should Zlatan make it four in a row then he will equal an 91 year record. Up against Livermore, expect Ibrahimovic to use his superior height and powerful presence to test the rookie defender.
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Team News
Defender Harry Maguire made his much anticipated return from injury in mid-week during the EFL cup win away at Exeter. Yet with Livermore and stand in captain Curtis Davies marshalling the defence so well in recent weeks, Hull look set to keep their backline unchanged.
After scoring and assisting off the bench last week at Swansea, Shaun Maloney may well be rewarded with a start which could see Adama Diomande drop to the bench. Michael Dawson, Alex Bruce, Allan McGregor and Moses Odubajo remain long term absentees for the hosts.
Chris Smalling, who came on last time out against Southampton, may be promoted to the starting XI to partner the impressive Eric Bailly. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also in the frame for a first start of the season. The former Borussia Dortmund man would most likely replace Juan Mata who still has an uncertain future at the club despite impressing during the opening weeks.
Head to Head
This fixture has been dominated by the Red Devils over the years. In their 28 games against Hull, United have won 19, losing just four and drawing the other five. Added to this, Hull have lost all but one of their eight Premier League meetings against the Manchester club.
Previous Meeting
The last game between the two teams was a sad day for all City fans. On the final weekend of the 2014/15 season, a 0-0 draw at home was not good enough for Hull to avoid relegation. The Tigers had plenty of chances but were unable to get past the impressive Victor Valdes.
Prediction
These two teams have the best defensive records in the Premier League, only conceding once apiece in the opening two games. Hull are likely to pose United some problems but expect the visitors’ experience and quality to shine through, potentially late on in the second half.
Hull City 0-1 Manchester United
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