Brazilian star Robinho is in line to make his long-awaited return to action as Manchester City bid to break a six-game run of draws against in-form Hull City. Keeping a clean sheet has proved a problem for Mark Hughes’ side over the last two months and their defence could have their hands full against the Tigers, who recorded their second win in three games against Everton in midweek.
Quick Check
Manchester City
- Defender Nedum Onuoha could make his first start of the season after a substitute appearance last weekend.
- Brazilian star Robinho is hoping to make his comeback from an ankle stress fracture.
- Vincent Kompany and Michael Johnson could also figure after making midweek comebacks from injury.
- Emmanuel Adebayor scored his first goal for more than two months at Liverpool.
- City are still unbeaten at Eastlands this term but have drawn their last two games.
- Captain Kolo Toure is a doubt with a back problem.
- Mark Hughes’ side has drawn their last six matches.
- Winger Martin Petrov is still sidelined by a sprained knee.
- City have conceded in eight of their last nine games.
Hull City
- Defender Bernard Mendy is available again after a one-match ban.
- Boaz Myhill is in contention to replace Matt Duke in goal.
- Jimmy Bullard is expected to return after being rested against Everton in midweek.
- Midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is hoping to overcome a hamstring strain to feature.
- Brazilian Geovanni will be hoping to start against his former club.
- Hull have taken seven points their last three league matches and scored three goals in each of their last two games.
- The Tigers have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 matches.
- Phil Brown’s side has won only five of their last 34 league games.
- The Tigers have taken just one point from their six away fixtures so far this campaign.
- Hull let in seven goals against City in their two meetings last term, including five at Eastlands.
Expert Advice
With the money they spent in the summer , not many people would have picked Manchester City out as draw specialists and they will be keen to shed that tag against Hull and begin the climb back towards the top four. The home side has been guilty of making silly mistakes at the back which has cost them of late, but they are still unbeaten at home this season and the likely return of Robinho will be a major boost in attack. Following the lead of their manager, Hull have amazed everyone with the amount of resilience they have shown this month and their goal tally in the last two games shows they have discovered the knack of finding the back of the net again. Keeping clean sheets is another matter and, with City’s vast array of attacking talent, a high-scoring affair looks in store so go for Betsson’s odds of 2.26 For there to be over 3.5 goals as a sound bet.
Bet it!
2. Link to the article in your blog post.
3. Go to twingly.com/ping and paste the URL to your blog post
Done! After a minute or so a link to your blog post will appear on Topleague.co.uk
