Next Saturday, 29th of November 2014, the former European Champions, Manchester United, will entertain an always unpredictable Hull City at the overwhelming Old Trafford for round 13 of the English Premier League, on a match during which the home side might clinch their third win in row for the first time this season, something that is clearly modest for a team with great ambitions such as the Red Devils.

After a hand full of impressive performances during the pre-season matches, everyone was certainly expecting more from this “new” Manchester United, but the truth is that, despite being on the fourth place of the EPL table, the Red Devils have been clearly underachieving so far this season.

Their important win last weekend at Emirates Stadium against an Arsenal side that is also experiencing some rough times this season may work as a catalyst for a team that seems to have forgotten how to smile after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. United’s performance against the Gunners was, anyway, far from brilliant as they have somewhat opted for “offering” the game’s initiative to the locals and tried to surprise them with pinpointing counter-attacks. Van Gaal’s strategy worked just fine and, although pundits might say that United was lucky to leave London with a win in their bags, the important thing is that they snatched the three points.

Next Saturday’s match is of paramount importance for the Red Devils and they need to win it if they want to try and close the five point gap to their neighbours and rivals of Manchester City, who are currently on the third place of the table.

For the match against Hull, the Dutch manager will probably still not be able to count on the services of Jones, Evans, Shaw, Blind, Rojo and Falcao, all currently sidelined due to injury.

As for Hull, the Tigers are currently not going through a very positive moment as they’ve failed to win any of their last five English Premier League matches. After having lost to Burnley early this month, Hull failed to win again last weekend as they were surprised by Tottenham at the KC Stadium. Steve Bruce’s boys have put up some quality performances this season, but lately they have not been at their best.

Given their recent good run, Manchester United are firm favourites to win the upcoming match, although Hull’s ability to mount deadly counter-attack movements might put the Red Devils’ leaky defence line in jeopardy.

Manchester United

Stats: W-2 L-2 D-1

Recent Form - WWLDD

Hull

Stats: W-0 L-3 D-2

Recent Form - LLLDD

Possible Line-ups

Manchester United (3-5-2) – De Gea - Valencia - McNair - Smalling - Blackett - Shaw - Carrick - Di Maria - Fellaini - Rooney - Van Persie

Hull City (4-2-3-1) – McGregor - Elmohamady - Dawson - Davies - Robertson - Livermore - Huddlestone - Brady - Ben Arfa - Meyler - Jelavic

Prediction

Manchester United 2 Crystal Palace 1