Man United and Hull City meet each other for the fourth time this season, having recently faced each other just last week – a match that saw Wednesday’s visitors come out on top by two goals to one. Such a result will give The Tigers confidence ahead of their trip to Old Trafford.
Hull performed with real credit in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Man United and deserved their 2-1 victory, although will probably be a tad disappointed that they could not find another goal to force extra time.
Despite failing to reach Wembley, The Tigers have looked a fair bit better under the leadership of Portuguese manager Marco Silva. The hopelessness felt before has all but gone and they now seem to be going into each match filled with confidence.
At United there has been little progress in recent weeks. In fact, the opposite has been visible. Mourinho’s team had not won in three matches before their 4-0 victory against Wigan in the cup. However, this win wasn’t exactly the most convincing and the scoreline, against opposition from the division below, was somewhat flattering. Having said that, United, as we all know, are always capable of turning it on at Old Trafford, sometimes when they’re least expected to.
Hull will probably play in a similar fashion to Wigan in that they will focus primarily on defence before launching a few counter attacks. On this basis, it’s not hard to envisage the visiting team faring well in the first period. They will be feeling upbeat having defeated United last week and could easily remain resolute for the opening 45 minutes.
Even if they’re unable to sustain such efforts for the entire match, Hull are fancied to cope well during the first half. In the league, United haven’t exactly been flourishing of late and it would be no surprise if their break through came in late fashion once again.
At the prices, ‘First Half Handicap – Hull +1’ – which lands providing the visitors are not losing at the break – is a good bet to go for in this one.
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