Sergio Aguero
Fernandinho is back for Manchester City's clash against Hull. Getty

Manchester City travel to Hull City in the Premier League on Boxing Day, with the Citizens currently in the third place, seven points off leaders Chelsea. City have bounced back from their disappointment against Leicester Cty and won their last two games in the league, including against Arsenal at the Etihad.

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 5:15pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Highlights of the game will be available on BBC Match of the Day at 10:55pm GMT on BBC One.

Overview

Hull City are currently bottom of the table, level with Swansea City but behind on goal difference and have taken only five points from their last 15 games in the league. They are winless in their last six games and their 1-0 loss to West Ham last weekend was the fourth time in the same period that they have failed to find the back of the net.

The major problem for Hull is their defence, having shipped 36 goals, only second to Swansea, who have conceded 37 thus far in the season. Hull face a very difficult task against City on Boxing Day, having won only once in nine meetings against the Citizens in the Premier League era.

Meanwhile, City will be buoyant following their 2-1 win over Arsenal in the league, which has put them back in reckoning for the title. Guardiola saw his side come back from going a goal down in the first half, with second half strikes by Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling.

City have been in good form on the road, winning six from their last eight games and will back themselves to take three points against a Hull side, who are struggling to score goals. However, their defence has been a major issue, having kept only a single clean sheet thus far on their travels.

What Managers Say

Mike Phelan told the Independent: "It's hard to earn your chance to play in the Premier League, it really is hard. When you get there you want to enjoy the moment and enjoy every game. Every game is very competitive, it's very high quality. The attention to detail is far greater, but I think all these players accept these responsibilities. There's no shortage of that at this football club. They all understand their roles, they all understand that they want to be a Premier League footballer. What you have to do to maintain that status is work hard, listen, improve - all those things and it's better to do that against the big boys because if you do, you get a lot of praise."

Pep Guardiola told the club website: "We are going to train tomorrow and day after tomorrow,. The afternoon we will travel to Hull City by bus and then play on 26 and come back. We will prepare for that game like it is not Christmas time. I spoke to David Silva, with some players, and they gave me good advice about what it means to play on Boxing Day at Hull City. What I learn in my short time here is the gap between the first ten teams and last ten is not that big. Other people said before I came here how complicated all the games are, so I am not expecting easy games. We have to be prepared. It's my first year here. Hull started quite well. Of course, the situation is not good but I saw many, many games and they are a special team. They try to play more than some of the teams here in the Premier League."

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • Hull City win: 17/2
  • Draw: 24/5
  • Manchester City win: 7/20

Team News

Hull City

Possible XI: Marshall; Maguire, Davies, Dawson; Elmohamady, Livermore, Huddlestone, Clucas, Robertson; Snodgrass, Diomande.

Manchester City

Possible XI: Bravo; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov; Toure, Fernando; De Bruyne, Silva, Sterling; Nolito

Manchester City FC Premier League Hull City FC