Manchester City vs Hull: Preview & Prediction

Premier League leaders Manchester City face Championship high-flyers Hull City in a Capital One Cup quarter-final at the Etihad.

The Sky Blues returned to the top of the table at the weekend after defeating Southampton 3-1, and they will now be looking to follow that with another victory as they aim to lift the League Cup for the fourth time.

Manuel Pellegrini has fielded a strong team in the previous two rounds, which has seen his side score nine goals in victories over Sunderland (4-1) and Crystal Palace (5-1).

Pellegrini’s side have impressed in the previous two rounds

The Chilean boss will be looking for more of the same against the Tigers as the Citizens seek to advance to the semi-finals for the fourth time in seven seasons.

Steve Bruce’s side will be determined to cause a big upset and they’re also looking to bounce back after their 13-match unbeaten run was brought to an end by Derby on Friday night.

That 2-0 defeat saw them slip from first to fourth in the table with just four points separating the top-five clubs in the race for promotion.

In this competition, Hull can take heart from the fact they’ve knocked out Premier League sides Swansea and Leicester in the previous two rounds, as well as Accrington Stanley and Rochdale in prior to that.

Steve Bruce’s Hull knocked out Premier League sides Swansea and Leicester in the previous two rounds

However, this is the first time they’ve reached the last-eight of the competition and they have only won one of their last nine meetings against Manchester City.

Team News:

David Silva is expected to make his first start in nearly two months after returning as a second-half substitute against Southampton on Saturday.

Willy Caballero will continue in goal with Joe Hart still out injured.

Andy Robertson returns to the Hull side after serving a one-match ban, but Michael Dawson’s hamstring problem keeps him out.

Robert Snodgrass could make just his fourth appearance for the club after a long-term injury which has seen him sidelined since August 2014.

Last Meeting: Manchester City 1-1 Hull City (February 7, 2015)
Key Players: Manchester City – David Silva; Hull City – Mohamed Diame
Form: Manchester City – WWDLLW; Hull City – WWWWDL
Shoot Says: Manchester City 3-1 Hull City