Monday 26 December 2016 21:04, UK
A knee problem means right-back Pablo Zabaleta is doubtful for Manchester City's Boxing Day clash at Hull, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5pm.
City will have to do without the Argentine as they look to secure three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since September 24.
After a run of just four victories from 15 games in all competitions, City geared up for the festive period with morale-boosting wins over Watford and Arsenal.
Things haven't been quite as smooth for Hull City though, with the Tigers ominously rooted to the foot of the table at Christmas.
However, they may be boosted by Friday's announcement that Robert Snodgrass, Michael Dawson, Abel Hernandez, Jake Livermore, Harry Maguire and Andy Robertson had extended their contracts at the KCOM Stadium.
Team news
Hull midfielder Ryan Mason is expected to shake off a knock in time to feature against City.
Mason will be back in contention after missing last week's defeat at West Ham, but striker Hernandez is still another fortnight away from a return to action after being sidelined since early November due to a groin injury.
Tigers boss Mike Phelan has no new injury or suspension concerns, while Allan McGregor, Alex Bruce, Moses Odubajo, Will Keane and Greg Luer all remain sidelined.
City midfielder Fernandinho returns from a three-match suspension but striker Sergio Aguero still has one match of his ban remaining.
Captain Vincent Kompany (knee) and midfielder Fabian Delph (groin) continue to work towards a comeback but Ilkay Gundogan (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Opta stats
Hull's only previous game against Manchester City on Boxing Day ended in a 5-1 defeat at the Etihad in 2008.
The Citizens have lost just one of their previous eight Premier League games against Hull City (W4 D3).
Raheem Sterling has scored on each of his last two games on Boxing Day, once against Burnley in 2014 and against Sunderland last season.
The Tigers have won their last two league games played on Boxing Day, scoring three goals in each clash (3-0 v Burnley in 2015 and 3-1 v Sunderland in 2014).
Hull City found themselves bottom of the Premier League on Christmas Day. 21 of the 24 sides to be bottom of the league at Christmas have been relegated that season.
Hull City have conceded the first goal in 14 different Premier League matches this season; more often than any other side.
Hull are the only Premier League team yet to win in December this season (P4 W0 D1 L3).
Of Hull's 14 Premier League goals this season, Snodgrass has had a hand in half of these (five goals, two assists).
Merson's predictions
Draws are no good to teams at the minute, especially Manchester City. You just don't know about City anymore, the way they start games you think will they, won't they go at teams. Having said that there is something missing at Hull, have they got the quality to really hurt City? I fear for them against a City side you'd expect to have got a lot of confidence from beating Arsenal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3 (Sky Bet odds 7/1)
Betting
Hull are the biggest-priced home side on the Premier League Boxing Day coupon, at a chunky 8/1 to get the better of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side are 1/3 to take the three points, with the draw priced at 4/1. City can be backed at 2/1 to win by three or more goals, and it's 4/5 for the visitors to be leading at the break and full-time. Kelechi Iheanacho and Nolito are both 7/2 to open the scoring, with Raheem Sterling 4/1 and Kevin De Bruyne 9/2. Robert Snodgrass is seen as Hull's best hope of a goal, at 11/1 to score first and 3/1 anytime.
Watch Hull v Man City live on Boxing Day from 5pm, Sky Sports 1 HD. Sky Q 2TB customers can watch the game in Ultra HD. Visit sky.mnosports.com/uhd for details.
