After their shock defeat to Cardiff City last week, the pressure will be on Manchester City to get back to winning ways when they host Hull City Tigers in the Premier League. Join us for live scores and commentary from 9.45pm AEST.
All signs pointed to a strong season for City, especially after they thrashed Newcastle United 4-0 in the opening game of the season.
City fans, however, were given a cruel reminder of just how much improvement their side needs if they are to truly consider themselves a world-class outfit.
While they certainly possess the squad capable of winning any competition, City still struggle to beat teams they should. They started as favourites against Cardiff last week, only to suffer a shock 3-2 defeat away from home.
Despite their strong roster, City often struggle away from home, and really need to work on their mental strength and character. Against Hull City, Manuel Pellegrini ‘s men will be expected to show no mercy en route to a big win.
Prediction
A fast start should be expected from City, given that they have a point to prove after last week’s surprise loss to Cardiff.
With David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas and Eden Dzeko in the side, City really should have no excuses if they fail to find the net on numerous occasions.
If City can start quickly, they will most likely run away with this contest, given that they are at home.
A goal against the run of play for Hull, however, will make life extremely difficult for the 2011/12 Premier League champions.
In short, if City are serious about challenging for silverware this season, they will defeat Hull City and defeat them well. City to win four-nothing.
Cameron
Roar Guru
No upset tonight :)
Cameron
Roar Guru
I was lucky enough to be at the rents place for the evening and it was a good match. Hull were good but never looked like winning, they lacked the finishing touches. Man City take their chances and Zabaleta was great today as he usually always is. Good game to open gameweek 3. Would love to stay up all night but got Bridge To Brisbane in the morning.
Alan
Roar Guru
City got the goals in the end but Hull City I believe were the better team and probably should have scored at least one goal in the first half. They also had another goal disallowed for offside. City get away with one there and secure the win thanks to goals from Negredo and Toure. A lot of work ahead for City though if they wish to challenge for the Premier League this season, let alone the Champions League. Hull City can hold their heads high. They were superb but just lacked the killer instinct to really make life difficult for City today. Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - City are back in the winners circle but its been a struggle that's for sure. Moment of brilliance from Toure has sealed the points for City. Milner with the cross and Hull City clear Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
91' - Well the scoreline may blow out late in the contest but Hull City have given it their all here and really deserve to get on the scoresheet. Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Stevo
Guest
Yeah Yeah Toure !
Alan
Roar Guru
Toure superb with the freekick! Keeper had no chance. That's the kind of goal you would score on FIFA 13! Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
GOAL CITY - Toure will go for goal here surely. He did score against Newcastle two weeks ago. Toure shoots and scores! Manchester City 2 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - City still camped in their own half as Zabaleta clears. City attack now as Toure finds Nasri who is fouled. Direct freekick coming up here for City Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
87' - Hull City still doing most of the attacking here. City have severely struggled to get any rhythm in this contest. Figueroa finds Graham in the area. Hart punches the cross away Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Hull City still pressing for the equaliser as Graham heads straight to Hart Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
85' - If Hull City continue to play like this throughout the season, they will cause teams plenty of problems in the Premier League. They have won plenty of admiration today. Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
84' - Goal kick for City here as Hart resumes play. Hardly the attacking performance I expected from City. Hull City have still created by far the better chances. Fernandinho goes wide with the drive Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
82' - Game still on a knife's edge here. Hull will still be thrilled with the draw and probably its the least they deserve to be honest Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
81' - Quinn shoots straight to Hart. City attack as Milner forces Hull to concede the corner. Lescott heads wide there and he maybe should have done better there Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - City still very unconvincing in possession in the second half. Struggling to string five passes together. Boyd in the area and now City go on the counter attack after surviving another attacking raid from Hull City who get the ball back though. Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
78' - Even if City do win today, its been a far from convincing performance. They will be torn apart in the Champions League if they fail to improve on this effort Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
77' - City build from the back. Hull City win the freekick now but Hart clears soon after Manchester City 1 Hull City 0
Alan
Roar Guru
Aguero comes off for Milner here. Aguero had one or two good moments but Hull City contained him well Manchester City 1 Hull City 0