Manchester United can tame Tigers to relegation
THE SAME fixture on the final day of the season back in 2009 ended with Phil Brown singing on the pitch as Hull escaped relegation – it looks unlikely that Steve Bruce will be doing the same.
Hull lost 1-0 that day, but other results meant that they maintained their top flight status. This time around they have to take maximum points off Manchester United if they are to have any hope of survival.
The Red Devils have nothing to play for but that will give Hull little solace. Wayne Rooney is set to return to action while the likes of Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao will want to impress Louis van Gaal in a last-ditch effort to stay in his plans for a title drive next campaign.
The Dutchman was in buoyant mood at the recent awards dinner, and that positive atmosphere is likely to spread throughout the team.
Hull, on the other hand, have had the misery of a three game losing-run compounded by the news of Jake Livermore’s failed drug test.
Livermore joins a host of key men such as Mo Diame and Curtis Davies on Hull’s long-term absentee list, so the situation looks bleak.
Bruce will be hoping the club who he represented for the majority of his playing career will do him a favour, but if history is anything to go by, that will not be the case.
United have won every match they have played against Hull this century, scoring 21 goals in the seven meetings.
They have only notched three goals in their last five games, of which they have only won one, but they should still have enough to see off the Tigers. Even if Hull can salvage a draw, they will be heading for the Championship.
A win for United is 11/10 with Betway and that is a fair price, while selling total goals at 2.75 with Sporting Index is also a safe shout with Hull having only hit the back of the net once this month.
▪ Pointers…
Man United at 11/10 with Betway
Sell total goals at 2.75 with Sporting Index