Lets Not Turn Six Draws In A Row Into Seven

Six draws on the bounce mean a win is imperative in this weekend's fixture against relegation favourites Hull City.

The Hull game should be seen as a foregone conclusion for most blues fans; however, after last weekends 2-2 draw against Liverpool, Manchester City made it six draws on the bounce; Mark Hughes has therefore come under some pressure making this weekend's fixture a must-win.

Last season's Boxing Day fixture is exactly what the doctor ordered for fellow blues, an emphatic 5-1 victory, entertaining football and a barmy half-time management speech by the fluorescent Phil Brown. A repeat of this would be ideal for Mark Hughes but Phil Brown's side will have other ideas after some recent good form has taken the heat off their under fire boss.

Even after six consecutive draws we head into this fixture 6th, not perfect, not disastrous. Hopefully a win would see us head closer to the top four places. After Tottenham destroyed Wigan 9-1, City are now back under pressure to be near the top. Hopefully a win here will give the side much needed confidence and momentum into the forthcoming clashes with Chelsea, Bolton and Tottenham.

One reason for celebration could be the return of Brazilian dynamo Robinho. Robinho hasn't started a game for the blues since the 1-0 win over Wolves back in August. However, Mark Hughes will be hopeful the Brazilian can step straight in and perform a magical display lifting the spirits around the club. Target man Adebayor will also look to net again after last weekend saw the Togolese break his lean spell in front of goal.

Martin Petrov will be set to miss the clash this weekend, after suffering a serious knee injury last season, the Bulgarian winger looked to be back on track after picking up the Etihad player of the month award but another knee injury looks like a spell on the sidelines is all Martin is having for Christmas. Luckily for the blues though Hughesy should have a full squad to choose from.

Phil Brown won't be able to believe his change of fortunes as a manager, looking a certainty to face the axe, Brown has managed to change his Hull side around. Much of this fortune is owed to Jimmy Bullard, Bullard was a forgotten piece at Hull after signing with a long term injury, however, on return Bullard has been a catalyst for success. Seven points in three games mean Hull head into this fixture in better form than us.

Hull are likely to be only missing Seyi Olofinjana with Bullard returning from a much needed midweek rest and other absentees back in the mix up.

A home win is all we should be expecting this week, Hughes's side is much to strong for the competitors and the importance of the game should raise our performance. Phil Brown will be just hoping that his Boxing Day nightmare is not relived.

Prediction: Manchester City 3- 1 Hull City

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