Manchester City vs. Hull: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups and TV Info

Manchester City take on Hull City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday looking to end a run of four games without a win. Failure to beat Steve Bruce’s side—whom they beat 4-2 at the KC Stadium in September—would see City go five games without a win for the first time since Mark Hughes’ time at the club.

City remain five points behind leaders Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last weekend, with a win over Hull desperately needed to resurrect their failing home form. They have dropped ten points in the league and been dumped out of two cup competitions on home soil, which is a record in need of some attention.

Hull have lost their last four games and haven’t scored since their New Year’s Day win over Everton.

Form Guide (Last 5 Results of Both Teams)

City

Chelsea 1-1 City
City 0-2 Middlesbrough (FA Cup)
City 0-2 Arsenal
Everton 1-1 City
City 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday (FA Cup)

Hull

Hull 0-3 Newcastle United
West Ham United 3-0 Hull
West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Hull
Arsenal 2-0 Hull (FA Cup)
Hull 2-0 Everton

Predicted Formations

City have no injury worries, with Manuel Pellegrini choosing from a full complement of players for the first time in a while. Samir Nasri is back in contention but may not be risked.

Bleacher Report

Hull have no fresh injury concerns, with Liam Rosenior, James Chester, Mohamed Diame and Robert Snodgrass all remaining on the sidelines. New signing Dame N’Doye has yet to receive international clearance and may not play.

Bleacher Report

Players to Watch

City: David Silva

When David Silva plays well, City play well. He remains the club’s most important player and the one Hull must shackle to stand any chance of emerging from this match with something to show.

He floats between the lines and looks to cause chaos with his eye for a pass, and in his No. 10 role, which is where he is likely to play on Saturday, he can inflict damage in more dangerous areas. He rarely cedes possession and is City's creator-in-chief.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Hull: Abel Hernandez

Hull's £10 million summer signing, Abel Hernandez, gave City some problems at the KC Stadium earlier in the season, and his physical attributes will be the biggest concern for Pellegrini ahead of this one.

He won and scored the penalty that drew his side level after falling behind early on and generally gave Eliaquim Mangala a difficult afternoon with his strength and movement. He hasn’t scored as many goals as he would have liked, but City will be fully briefed on the threat he poses.

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Key Battle: Michael Dawson vs. Sergio Aguero

If there’s one player Sergio Aguero has enjoyed playing against in recent seasons, it’s Michael Dawson. Aguero gave him the runaround numerous times when the defender was at Tottenham Hotspur, and in the game at the KC earlier this season, the Argentinian’s pace pulled Dawson out of position on a number of occasions.

Aguero’s ability to move through the gears and change direction in a split second is well-suited to giving Dawson a tough time. The defender has to be at his very best to deny Aguero, who has slowly been finding full fitness after an injury layoff.

Odds (via Oddschecker)

City: 1/5

Hull: 18/1

Draw: 7/1

TV Listing

Highlights on the BBC's Match of the Day 10:30 p.m. GMT.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.