Hull v Manchester United – Sunday 24th May, 15:00
It is crunch time for Hull; now or never. Nothing less than three points against Manchester United will cut it for the Tigers, if they are to have any chance of survival. Two wins on the bounce for Hull were swiftly followed by three defeats, and it is essential that Hull pick up all three points this weekend and hope that other results go their way.
Hull will need a massive performance from their shot stopper Alan McGregor if they are to stay in the Premier League. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has racked up 64 saves so far this season at an average of 1.56 saves per goal conceded. He will go in search of his third clean sheet in six, and he holds the key to Hull extending their stay in the Premier League.
One of Hull’s standout players this season has been Ahmed Elmohamady. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 67 tackles so far this season, 75.3% of his overall attempts, also racking up 103 clearances and 61 interceptions. On the ball, he can also prove a threat having scored twice and having laid on a further five goals for his teammates.
Up top, Hull will look to Nikica Jelavic to deliver the crucial goals that could prove the difference between life in the Premier League and the Championship. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has netted eight times this season from just 14 shots on target, turning 57.1% of those opportunities in to goals. Whilst he is a hard worker, having made 20 clearances so far this season, he will need to ensure that his good work is done at the right end of the pitch this weekend.
Manchester United have seemingly finished their campaign, but don’t be under any illusions that they will be doing former player and Hull manager Steve Bruce any favors. United’s players will be keen to finish their season off with a victory for the travelling fans and to ensure that they break the 70 points mark, with lots of players looking to impress ahead of the summer transfer window.
Whilst there has been a lot of speculation around his future, Manchester United fans will hope that David de Gea is fit for this weekend so that they are guaranteed at least one last farewell. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has made 93 saves so far this season at an average of 2.5 saves per goal conceded. He will be looking to round off an excellent season with a final clean sheet for the campaign.
A change of tactics has meant a change of position for Ashley Young, who has been turned into a fine wing back by Louis van Gaal. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 41 tackles so far this term, 82% of his overall attempts. He has also racked up 40 interceptions and completed a squad best 31 crosses, helping him on his way to six assists. He has also netted twice, and will hope that he can add to that tally with another high quality display this weekend.
Ander Herrera saw his goal cancelled out last weekend by a second half own goal, but he will be hoping that he can be the difference this weekend. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index can reveal that he has won 66 tackles so far this term, 72.5% of his overall challenges. He has four assists to his name as well as six goals from just seven shots on target, converting 85.7% of those attempts.