Other than to wish a jolly time for all in a spell of relaxation, the stars of the Premier League are taking it anything but easier during a hectic schedule for English football in the festive period. The time may just seem right for David Moyes to discretely throw a fist pump if he can manage to secure all three points at the KC Stadium on Boxing Day.
 
The Red Devils come into the game having won their last four games from as many attempts. With three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions and only conceding once in the process (versus West Ham), it somehow classes as a Christmas miracle itself as they'd only managed three clean sheets in the league prior to their triumph at Villa Park earlier this month. The Tigers have themselves only lost once in their last five, and brag the third best defensive home league record in Europe. They have established themselves as a side that have the capability to threaten with this season, contrary to the beliefs of their September, October and the two other newly-promoted sides form.
 
Both of these sides will come searching for a win, and why not? Now seems a better time than ever for an opposition to realistically believe that Manchester United are at their most vulnerable, and Hull have found themselves in good form with former Red as boss, Steve Bruce. But perhaps as there may be a mutual feeling of respect between the two managers, United can't afford to drop any more careless points as eigth place for the current champions can't cut it anymore with January approaching.

Squad news

Hull City are likely to identically field the team that has started out in their last three Premier League games. No changes to the team would indicate that the absence of Robbie Brady, who is out with a groin injury, is unlikely to feature against his former club. Stephen Quinn and Sone Aluko remain sidelined with achilles and hamstring problems.
 
Danny Welbeck is a doubt for the trip to Hull after limping away from the win against West Ham with what appeared a knee injury. However, manager David Moyes insisted that the blow was only 'a kick to the knee' and hopes that the striker is fit enough to play. Robin Van Persie (thigh) and Michael Carrick (Achilles) are recovering quicker than expected, but the Boxing Day fixture could be a game too early in the case of Carrick. Marouane Fellaini has been confirmed to be sidelined after undergoing surgery on his wrist, which will keep him out of action until February.
 
Statistics (via BBC Sport)

Head-to-head

  • Manchester United have won their last seven league and cup games against Hull, including the four previous Premier League meetings.
  • Hull's last win against United was a 2-0 home victory in a Division Two match on 23 November 1974.

Hull City

  • The Tigers have conceded only three league goals at home - the best record in the top flight.
  • They have won one of their last seven league games (D3, L3).
  • Their only previous Premier League game on 26 December was a 5-1 defeat at Manchester City in 2008.

Manchester United

  • The Red Devils have won 16 of the last 17 games they have played on 26 December. The only exception is a 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough in 2002.
  • Victory would give them five successive wins in league and cup for the first time under David Moyes. The last time they won five matches in a row was in October 2012.
  • The reigning champions are unbeaten in their last nine away games in league and cup (W5, D4). Their last defeat on the road was the 4-1 loss at Manchester City on 22 September.