Hull City vs Man U
Venue: KC Stadium
Kick off: 3pm
Hull City host Manchester United at the KC Stadium on the final day of the Premier League season needing a victory to stand any hope of surviving relegation.
Two points from safety, the Tigers must beat Louis van Gaal’s side and hope that West Ham United take points off Newcastle United at St James’ Park to stay in the top flight.
Hull City fans familiar with Steve Bruce’s managerial record against his former club could be forgiven for resigning themselves to life in the Championship next term.
Only a victory will do on Sunday (today) but Bruce, in 20 attempts, dating back to his Crystal Palace days, has never been on the winning side against the Red Devils – for whom he played for nine years.
Hull, who have never won a Premier League game in the month of May, looked determined to maintain that record; losing 3-1 to Arsenal 19 days ago, before Burnley beat them 1-0 at the KC Stadium in the result that had alarm bells ringing louder than ever before.
They take a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur into today’s clash and it remains to be seen if Bruce can stop the rot in time. Now would be the perfect moment for him to secure a maiden win over his old club. He knows what the penalty is should that winless streak stretch to 21.
Re-entering the top four was always the realistic aim for Manchester United in Van Gaal’s maiden season in charge – mission accomplished for the Dutchman. Although not a mathematical certainty, United travel to Hull knowing that they are almost guaranteed to finish fourth.
They will be back in the Champions League next season – barring a disastrous elimination from the two-legged playoff in August – and, overall, it has been a productive season for them.
Van Gaal will perhaps be concerned by the way in which his troops are finishing the campaign, though. They are limping toward the finish line, after winning just four points from a possible 15 over the last five weeks or so.
Last week they drew 1-1 with Arsenal – who are poised to pip them to third place – and endured a three-match losing streak before beating Crystal Palace 2-1 to stop the rot.
Hull City possible starting lineup: Harper; Chester, Dawson, McShane; Elmohamady, Meyler, Huddlestone, Quinn; N’Doye, Jelavic.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Valdes; Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Rojo; Blind, Herrera, Mata, Fellaini, Young, Rooney.