in line to start?

By Tiger Tim
December 24 2008

Hull take on Manchester City at Eastlands on Boxing day looking to bounce back from the 4-1 home defeat to Sunderland last time out. Manchester City are desperate for a win having failed to win any of their last 4 premiership games, a record which has seen them slip into the relegation zone. The corresponding fixture ended 2-2 at the KC Team news

Hull are without Anthony Gardner who is still struggling with injury, Caleb Folan and Craig Fagan are also expected to be out. Andy Dawson is also doubtful. Paul Mcshane could return, Sam Ricketts is suspended following his red card against Sunderland, Nathan Doyle could make his 1st Premiership start.

Manchester City are without Benjani who has a thigh injury. Robinho could return, Jo and Daniel Sturridge are expected to be fit. Ched Evans and Darius Vassell are also doubtful. 

"If Manchester City bring their best game to the table they are a very good side but we can hurt teams with the running power and the set-pieces we can bring.

"It is going to be a difficult game, a toughie - Man City were expected to be in the top six at the start of the season."

Mark Hughes

"At the moment we're finding it a struggle to get the performances and results that we need.

"It's not going to happen overnight, we keep saying that, but we've got to keep on making sure that we're doing the right things on a daily basis.

"In the end with a little bit more quality added to squad then things will turn for the better."

Head 2 Head

The club playing away from home have not won a league fixture between these two clubs for a century, and even then it was Manchester City who were successful 1-2, on 2 October 1909.

The Citizens beat Hull 4-1 when they last met on Manchester City turf on 21 January 1989 in the old second Division.

Hull's only away victory over City was 1-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on 15 February 1930; City were in the top-flight and Hull in the second tier.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man City 5 wins, Hull 3, Draws 5
Prem: Man City 0 wins, Hull 0, Draws 1

at Man City only
League (inc PL): Man City 4 wins, Hull 0, Draws 2
Prem: Man City 0 wins, Hull 0, Draws 0