In any ordinary season, few would expect Manchester United to have any problems beating Hull City in Boxing Day's early kickoff. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, this isn't an ordinary season. United have won two league games on the bounce, though are still down in eighth place -- eight points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and Arsenal. They're unbeaten in five away from home, though they shouldn't find this game easy.
Hull City vs. Manchester United: Preview and TV schedule
Boxing Day’s early kickoff sees underperforming Manchester United travel to overperforming Hull City.
Stu Forster
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Hull City have adapted to life in the Premier League superbly after winning promotion last season, with Steve Bruce’s side seven points above the relegation zone in 12th. They’ve already seen off Liverpool at the KC Stadium this season, and will be hopeful of ending their four-game winless run by taking another scalp.
They'll be without Robbie Brady, Stephen Quinn, Joe Dudgeon and Sone Aluko through injury, though United's list of absentees is even ore significant. Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Robin van Persie and Nani are all definitely sidelined, and could be joined by Danny Welbeck and Nemanja Vidić.
Hull City injuries and suspensions
Out: Robbie Brady (hernia), Stephen Quinn (hamstring), Joe Dudgeon (knee), Sone Aluko (calf). In doubt: None.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Michael Carrick (Achilles), Marouane Fellaini (wrist), Robin van Persie (thigh), Nani (hamstring). In doubt: Danny Welbeck (knee), Nemanja Vidić (knock).
Projected lineups
Hull City: Allan McGregor; Curtis Davies, Alex Bruce, James Chester; Maynor Figueroa, David Meyler, Jake Livermore, Tom Huddlestone, Ahmed Elmohamady; Danny Graham, Yannick Sagbo.
Manchester United: David De Gea; Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Rafael da Silva; Ryan Giggs, Tom Cleverley; Adnan Januzaj, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia; Javier Hernández.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 12:45 p.m. local, 7:45 a.m. ET
Venue: KC Stadium, Hull, England
TV: NBC Sports Network (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
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