Manchester City will be warming up for their blockbuster clash against Liverpool on New Year’s Eve with a relatively low-key match against strugglers Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Boxing Day. The Sky Blues have gained a bit of momentum in recent matches with wins against Watford and Arsenal which have cushioned the blow of the losses against Chelsea and Leicester City. Pep Guardiola will be boosted by the return of Fernandinho in midfield but whether he earns a start is a matter of debate with Fernando playing well and the Liverpool game in a couple of days time.
Hull City, on the other hand, will be cursing their luck at having got Manchester City as opponents on Boxing Day. But they won’t be having much to lose and the pressure will be on Manchester City to play a certain brand of football and get the result. The longer City go without scoring, the more confident Hull players will be getting.
But the fixture won’t be a straightforward one. City have struggled against teams who play long and direct football and the Tigers will be looking to do the same.
Let us take a look at the 3 key battles which will likely affect the outcome of the match.
ROBERT SNODGRASS VS ALEKS KOLAROV
Snodgrass has been Hull’s main creative force and is understandably their highest scorer. He has played a part in 50% of their goals and will again be their focal point in attack. He has been used centrally on occasions this season and might well be used once again to exploit City’s weakness in central defence. Kolarov will keep his place in the side and has to take the initiative to shackle the Scottish International.
ROBERTSON VS STERLING
Hull City’s left-back has been attracting attention from the likes of Liverpool and is touted for big things in the future. He has been impressive so far and a move elsewhere seems likely, if Hull City go down. He will be up against the in-form Sterling. The English international has been a transformed player under Pep Guardiola and he will be looking to carry on his hot streak.
CURTIS DAVIES VS KELECHI IHEANACHO
The Nigerian was benched last game with the likes of Sane, De Bruyne and Sterling taking turns to play up top. But he might come back into the side against the Tigers. With Aguero slated to come back next week against Liverpool, it might be his last opportunity to impress Pep. Curtis Davies will be tasked with keeping a lid on the youngster and an interesting battle is set to ensue between the two.
