Manchester United v Hull City Preview – Saturday 3pm
Manchester United will go into this game in buoyant mood, and will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce following their home victory over Crystal Palace and last weekend’s away win at Arsenal. United’s back to back victories have pushed them into fourth position and they will be looking for a win to help close the five point gap between them and their rivals in third place, Manchester City.
One of the men who has inspired Manchester Untied on their ascent into the top four has been their inspirational shot stopper, Spain international David De Gea. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, the Red Devils’ number one made eight stops against Arsenal to guide them to three points, and has saved an impressive 68.1% of shots that he has had to deal with this season.
At the other end of the pitch, Wayne Rooney has found some good form, as illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. The England captain has netted four times already this season, converting 23.5% of his shots, also assisting two goals for his teammates. Hard work appears to be the key to his good form, and he has completed 97.7km in just nine appearances. He is 22/25 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
The other in form player for Manchester United is Angel Di Maria who does not cease to impress. The Argentina international’s prowess is highlighted by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, having bagged three goals and laid on a further six for his teammates. Having put 73 crosses into the box already this season, it would no surprise to see him threaten Hull with his delivery this weekend.
Hull will be looking for a reversal of fortunes come Saturday after three straight losses has seen them slip to 17th in the table, hovering ominously above the relegation zone. They will not come in to the game fearing the reputation of a big club though, having secured draws with Arsenal and Liverpool and will be looking to go one better on this occasion.
One man who will certainly be fired up is former Manchester United player Robbie Brady, who will be playing against his former club for the first time. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index reveals that the tricky winger could pose a problem for United having completed six dribbles and six crosses and United will stifle his creativity. However, he is equally adept in defence having won 66.6% of his tackles and made 21 clearances.
Hull’s main man in the middle of the park is the calm and collected Tom Huddlestone. The English midfielder has been his imperious best as revealed by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index data, winning 22 tackles and making 22 interceptions. His ability on the ball has also been highlighted with two assists and an 80.2% pass completion rate. If he can get on the ball, he will create chances.
His midfield partner, Mohamed Diame, has been of an equal stature this season since his move from West Ham, again illustrated by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He has bagged four goals, converting an impressive 33.3% of his shots taken this season. He has also won a staggering 41 tackles this season and racked up 15 interceptions and will be looking to dominate the midfield alongside Huddlestone. He is 17/2 to score anytime with 888sport.com.
Manchester United:
Form: WDDLWW
Possible starting lineup: De Gea; McNair, Smalling, Blackett; Valencia, Carrick, Fellaini, Young; Di Maria; Rooney, Van Persie
Hull City:
Form: WDDLLL
Possible starting lineup: Harper; Chester, Dawson, Davies; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Livermore, Diame, Robertson; Jelavic, Hernandez
Prediction – 3-1 United win.
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.