Hull City will take a trip to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as they gear up to take on Manchester City in the Matchweek 32 of the Premier League.
The Tigers managed to come out for the relegation zone with an amazing 4-2 win against fellow relegation strugglers Middlesbrough and now occupy the 17th position, two points clear of the drop zone. And manager Marco Silva will be hoping his team can get something away from a difficult tie. The last time the two teams met in the league, Hull were thrashed 3-0 by the Citizens, but the recent resurgence from the Tigers could mean they will put up a better fight.
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Defender Harry Maguire picked up an injury against Boro in the midweek clash and could miss out on the trip to City while striker Abel Hernandez will also be unavailable due to his injury in the same game. Fellow striker Dieumerci Mbokani is also a big doubt while defender Omar Elabdellaoui too could be among the absentees.
Midfielder Ryan Mason and striker Will Keane are the long-term absentees while midfielder Tom Huddlestone is suspended for the game.
Here is how Hull could line up against Manchester City:
Probable Hull City Playing XI
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Marco Silva
Eldin Jakupovic (GK)
The 32-year old has usurped the No.1 spot from David Marshall and has been decent in goal, averaging 3.19 saves per game. He will start between the sticks against Manchester City.
Ahmed Elmohamady (RB)
The Egyptian right-back is one of the main attacking outlets for Hull and has created 21 chances this season – the highest in the Hull squad. He is a sure starter.
Andrea Ranocchia (CB)
The loan signing has become a key member of the team since arriving in January from Inter Milan. He will have his hands full against Sergio Aguero though.
Michael Dawson (CB)
With Harry Maguire injured and doubts over his availability, we could see Michael Dawson come into the team. The veteran defender replaced Maguire against Middlesbrough and may well feature from the get-go.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Completing the backline will be Andrew Robertson at left-back. The 23-year old is a constant fixture in the line-up and has chipped in with one goal and two assists this season.
Lazar Markovic (RM)
The Liverpool loanee has managed to add a source of creativity in the wide areas since arriving in January and scored the opener against Boro. Definite starter on the right-side.
Alfred N’Diaye (CM)
Another of Marco Silva’s signings, the 27-year old has started all the league games since arriving and has chipped in with a goal as well. He will once again start in the middle of the park.
Sam Clucas (CM)
The 26-year old has played in all but one game for Hull City this season. And with Tom Huddlestone unavailable due to suspension, he should keep his place in the line-up.
Kamil Grosicki (LM)
And on the left-flank, it will be another January arrival Kamil Grosicki. The Polish wide-man has set up three goals in eight games since arriving and looks like a good option to have in the ranks.
Adama Diomande (CF)
With Abel Hernandez likely to miss out, Silva will be forced into a change and we could see forward Adama Diomande come in. He has been used sparingly in recent weeks, but could very well feature from the start.
Oumar Niasse (ST)
And leading the line will be Everton loanee Oumar Niasse. He has been the chief architect of the Hull resurgence under Silva and is an undisputed choice upfront.