Preview: Hull City vs. Manchester City

Manchester City will be hoping to close the gap to the top of the table when they visit Hull City at the KC Stadium in the Premier League this weekend.

The defending champions have not won in their last three matches in the Premier League, leaving them five points behind league leaders Chelsea.

Manuel Pellegrini's side should head into the tie full of confidence after thrashing Sheffield Wednesday 7-0 in the Capital One Cup this week, with Frank Lampard and Edin Dzeko both picking up two goals.

Defender Pablo Zabaleta will be able to return to the side after serving his suspension for picking up a red card against Chelsea, but Samir Nasri and Fernando remain doubts after missing the midweek game through injury.

Meanwhile, Hull are on a four-match streak without a win in the Premier League, which has seen them slip to 10th in the table.

The Tigers threw away a two-goal lead to share a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United last weekend, and were knocked out of the Capital One Cup during the week after losing 3-2 to West Bromwich Albion.

Steve Bruce's only injury absentee is Robert Snodgrass, who is continuing his recovery from a dislocated knee cap.

Midfielders Gaston Ramirez and Mohamed Diame will both be available again, having missed the clash with the Baggies because they were cup-tied.

Hull have only beaten Manchester City once in their last five meetings.

Recent form

Hull: WDLDD

Man City: WWLDD

Possible starting lineups

Hull: McGregor, Robertson, Elmohamady, Dawson, Davies, Huddlestone, Diame, Livermore, Quin, Aluko, Jelavic

Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov, Milner, Toure, Fernandinho, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko

Sports Mole says: 1-3