Following the run of three straight draws that helped them create a seven-point advantage over the bottom three, Hull City probably wouldn’t mind another stalemate, but their opponents will have other things on their minds. Having won their last four fixtures in all competitions, revived Manchester United arrive at KC Stadium brimming with confidence.

Tigers continue to impress

Not many people believed Hull City would be able to survive this campaign before the season started, but late signings of Tottenham duo Tom Huddlestone and Jack Livermore changed everything for Steve Bruce and his side. The combative midfielders added just what the team had been missing while the seasoned manager did really well to build a decent side out of fairly average players. And while they continue to impress against bottom-table sides, Tigers are obviously no match to England’s top teams, although they did manage to defeat Liverpool at home. The team appear to be on a downtrend of late, having picked up just three points from last four league fixtures, and this is clearly not the right time for them to be facing in-form United. Having said that, I do expect the Tigers to put on a decent fight against their more illustrious opponents, but I am afraid another poor result is on the cards for Steve Bruce’s side.

Robbie Brady, Sone Aluko, Stephen Quinn and Joe Dudgeon all remain sidelined, but there are no fresh injury worries for Steve Bruce.

United finally back in business

Even if United were always going to experience some problems this season, the team still needed too much to hit the ground running, but we can safely say good times are ahead for the Red Devils. In all fairness, the likes of Robin van Persie and especially Michael Carrick have been sorely missed over the past few weeks, but credit to David Moyes and his men for turning things around even without two of their key men. While securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages and Capital One Cup semi-finals, Manchester United recorded two comfortable victories in the league to revive their title bid and no doubts they go into the Boxing Day clash against Hull City high on spirits. David Moyes has even suggested that Carrick and Van Persie could both return for the match at KC Stadium, but even if the two players fail to feature, his side will still be in a good stead to claim maximum points. With the likes of Welbeck, Valencia and even Ashley Young seriously raising their form of late, and Wayne Rooney as impressive as ever, fifth straight win seems to be on the horizon.

Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick are major doubts, but Danny Welbeck could play despite suffering a knock on his knee.

Verdict

Hull City have proved to be a very difficult nut to crack, but with their 3-5-2 formation susceptible to attacks from the flanks, the Tigers could experience all sorts of problems against improving Manchester United. The Red Devils have finally started playing to their potential and I do expect them to extend the good run at KC Stadium.

Top pick: Away win   1.57 (4/7) @ Betfred

Alternative pick 1: Man Utd/Man Utd   2.40 (7/5) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Man Utd with -1 Asian handicap   2.04 (26/25) @ BetVictor