Arsenal may have claimed top spot in midweek but, with the Gunners and Chelsea both involved in FA Cup action, Manchester United can move above them with victory against Premier League strugglers Hull. Defender Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to the centre of defence after injury and there could also be a welcome comeback for long-term absentee Rio Ferdinand, but the Tigers are likely to without new signing Amir Zaki as they bid for their first away win in 26 league games.

Quick Check

Manchester United

  • Defender Nemanja Vidic is expected to return after a three-week absence with a leg injury.
  • He could be joined by Rio Ferdinand who has overcome long-term back and calf problems.
  • Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in his last nine league appearances.
  • United have won their last eight Premier League fixtures at home in January.
  • Winger Antonio Valencia has scored three goals in his last five games.
  • United beat Hull 3-1 at the KC Stadium last month.
  • Defender John O’Shea is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a thigh problem.
  • Striker Dimitar Berbatov is doubtful with a dead leg.

Hull City

  • Midfielder Dean Marney is expected to start after a calf problem.
  • Hull kept their first clean sheet of the season on the road at Tottenham last weekend.
  • Midfielder Jimmy Bullard is still a week away from returning from a knee injury.
  • Seyi Olofinjana and Daniel Cousin are away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
  • New signing Amir Zaki is unlikely to figure as he waits for international clearance.
  • Ian Ashbee is sidelined by a long-term knee problem.
  • Hull have not won on the road for 25 games.
  • The Tigers have not beaten United since 1952 - their only win at Old Trafford.
  • Phil Brown’s team have taken just four points from ten league games away from home this season.

Expert Advice

Hull haven’t won away from home in the league for more than a year and it’s difficult to see that record coming to an end at Old Trafford. The Tigers may have claimed their first clean sheet of the season on the road at Tottenham last weekend, but they needed a man-of-the-match performance from goalkeeper Boaz Myhill to do so and it’s hard to imagine lightning striking twice. Manchester United haven’t been at their best this season but the return of Nemanja will shore things up in defence while the champions have the added incentive of knowing victory will move them above Arsenal and Chelsea and back to the top of the table. The home side have a chance to put their own stamp on the title race so expect a high-scoring affair and Betsson’s odds of 2.26 for there to be over 3.5 and 4.5 for a 3-0 home win looking value bets.

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