Hull away, boxing day preview

Fernandinho is back! Thank god. A Christmas miracle. With Gundogan injured, it's much needed to have some fresh legs in the shaky defence. Kompany also out injured but Yaya fit to go, Delphy back and Zaba won't play (late fitness test) why risk him when we have another game 5 days later away at Liverpool? Squad rotation, Pep knows. I reckon Sagna will start and 4 at the back again. Why change the winning formula? Clichy could start LB too, Kolarov CB with Stones or Otamendi. Ota can't start all the games. I'll be frustrated if we revert back to 3 at the back, it just doesn't work. The midfield is too expressive for that and not tight enough. I don't expect wingers like Sterling and Sane to track back all the time but when they don't, Silva, Yaya, De Bruyne need to tighten up in the middle. I think Nolito will play on the wing and Navas the other. I don't think Hull will use any pace, only power and set pieces. So quickness and counter isn't really an option. Sterling and Sane started last game (perfect) but they aren't perfect for this game. I'd start KDB up front with Aguero still suspended and have Silva, Yaya and Dinho behind. Bravo in net. For Hull, they've struggled of late. Snodgrass has looked good this season, but they've looked shaky at times. They make mistakes, like City do so there could be goals. It's in my BTTS bet. 

I think City will win 3-1. I think the game will be close, I think City will utilise their subs towards the end and flatter the result. I don't think Hull will push over and they're strong and know their strengths and will know City's weaknesses. The only problem they have is that their teams doesn't have pace. If City get their shooting boots on, the game could be done at any time, if not, Hull will fancy getting a result. Hull will look to Bully, be aggressive and hurt City with set pieces and long balls.

 I don't think there is much more to add. So i'll see you for the review on the 27th, so I'd like to wish everyone of my readers of this blog a happy Christmas, an excellent Boxing Day of football and everyone has a lovely time. Until the next time, ciao for now. 

Team prediction -

Bravo, Sagna, Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Silva, Nolito, Navas, De Bruyne.