Hull v United - Preview

United are likely to field a much-changed team at relegation-threatened Hull City as they prepare for the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

That is excellent news for the Tigers who go into the game just outside the relegation zone after securing a vital draw at Bolton Wanderers last weekend.

However, such is the strength in depth of the current United squad that any team Sir Alex Ferguson decides to field is certain to push Hull all the way.

City can take heart from their performance at the Reebok Stadium when they were unfortunate not to return to the east coast with all three points, but their record at the KC Stadium is awful - they have only won three of their 18 home games this term.

It is possible that Phil Brown's team could lose on Sunday and still avoid an immediate return to the Championship but it is bound to be a nervous afternoon for all concerned.

Long-term injury victim Jimmy Bullard (knee) once again misses out as do Ian Ashbee (cruciate knee ligaments) and Anthony Gardner (back), but Brown is hopeful that Bernard Mendy and Kamil Zayatte could feature.

Having secured a third successive Premier League title by drawing 0-0 with Arsenal at Old Trafford last weekend, United are likely to be in celebratory mood at the KC Stadium.

Recent history suggests they may not be at their best as, two years ago, they lost at home at West Ham United on the final day of the campaign after securing the title.

That allowed the Hammers to stay up while Sheffield United were condemned to the drop.

Ferguson is certain to rest most of his key players but will definitely be without injured quartet Rio Ferdinand (back), Ben Foster (thumb), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Wes Brown (ankle).

The two teams produced an amazing game at Old Trafford earlier in the season when United held on to win 4-3 despite conceding two late goals.

Fixture: Hull City v Manchester United
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: KC Stadium
Date: 24 May
Time:15.00 UK 20.30 IST
Channel: STAR SPORTS India

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