Hull City must have really thought they were going to get a shock result against Manchester United, but instead Steve Bruce remains without a win against his former club. Perhaps they scored the two goals too early, or maybe they would have done better to just get the one goal. In the end, they played well for the most part, but fell apart defensively. With only 39% of the possession they had 17 shots, but only five of those were on target. At the other end they did relatively well in only allowing four of 13 shots on target despite Manchester United having 61% possession. If they can continue to play well like they did on Thursday, they should have an excellent chance of a win over Fulham.

Fulham look a different team now that Martin Jol is no longer in charge. They have managed to increase their goals with eight in their last five matches including back to back games scoring twice. Defensively they are still lacking having kept just three clean sheets this season and just one on the road.

What to expect

Hull may have scored twice against United and three against Liverpool but struggle to break teams down at home against sides that are less inclined to play on the front foot. Fulham may therefore sit deep and look to their more skillful players for moments of magic in the final third, though they have been poor on the road defensively this season.

Allan McGregor picked up a knee injury against United and had to be replaced at half time so Steve Harper is likely to continue to deputise in goal. Defenders Alex Bruce and Maynor Figueroa also picked up knocks on Boxing Day and could be rested as a precaution with the games coming thick and fast. After a bright cameo last time out George Boyd could earn a start, supporting Yannick Sagbo up front.

Following victory at Norwich last time out Rene Meulensteen may be inclined to stick with a similar line-up despite the potential return of Dimitar Berbatov. In that case Adel Taarabt would keep his place up front, though if the Bulgarian is fit the Moroccan could move back into an attacking midfield trio. Elsewhere Ashkan Dejagah may well replace Damien Duff on the wing, while Kieran Richardson could keep John Arne Riise out of the side at left-back.

Predicted Starting Line-Ups

Match Prediction

Steve Bruce’s side are unlikely to open the visitors up at will like some have this season so this could be a cagey affair separated, if at all, by a single goal.

Hull City 1-1 Fulham