Analysis:

Hull City currently third from the bottom, surprised everyone when they managed to hold Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in midweek. At the same time Manchester City beat basement boys Portsmouth 2-0 as they look to a top four finish in the league.

Manchester City looks set to give Wayne Bridge his break after recovering from injury but fellow defenders Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards both look certain to miss out this clash. The good news for Mancini is that Patrick Vieira and Adam Johnson is set to make their debuts here.

Vieira arrived from Inter Milan last month with a calf injury but has overcome the complaint and will be vying with Nigel De Jong for a place in midfield. Adam Johnson signed on transfer deadline day is likely to replace Martin Petrov as his form has dipped. Joleon Lescott has been out with a knee injury and will not play any part in this match.

For the home side Hull, defender Paul McShane suffered a gash to his eye during the clash with Chelsea but has recovered in time for Saturday's clash and should line up in an unchanged back four with goalkeeper Boaz Myhill in superb form. Also midfielder Tom Cairney was impressive against Chelsea and could once again start keeping out Seyi Olofinjana out of the team after the 29-year-old returned from African Cup of Nations duty for Nigeria.

Phil Brown will need to decide upfront to start with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Jozy Altidore or give January signing Amr Zaki his first start after playing their last two games as a substitute. Brown will not have midfielder Giovanni after Brazilian damaged a ligament and has flown out to Portugal for treatment.

In midfield Jimmy Bullard is still three weeks away from action following his knee injury while Kamel Ghilas (thigh), Dean Marney (calf) and Ian Ashbee (ligament) remain long-term absentees.

Take Manchester City to get all three points here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Manchester City 2-0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Manchester City to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Manchester City and give the 3/4 ball here.