Hull preview

If Burnley was a must-win, then what does that make this? A month or
so ago I was delighted that this fixture followed Liverpool away
(which I presumed we would lose.). With our strong start to the
season, coupled with Hull's implosion and the memories of last
season's 5-1 I could see no possible result beyond a big win.

But now I'm pretty nervous. Because in the last few weeks we've drawn
six straight. We've pissed away leads at home against Fulham and
Burnley - unthinkable for a club with pretensions of seriousness. And
Hull's implosion has been aborted: Phil Brown has stayed and they've
taken seven points from their last three games. Of course, with our
squad we should breeze past them. And we still might. But form and
confidence have a big causal role and they're both pointing against us
now.

There will be changes from the team that drew at Anfield. I imagine
Hughes will resort to his favoured 4-2-4. Tevez will partner Adebayor
through the middle, with Bellamy, Ireland, Robinho and SWP fighting
for the wide positions. I'd go for Ireland and SWP - unless he wants
Ireland in central midfield and a chance to rest Gareth Barry.

Whichever team we put out it will be much stronger than Hull's. Just
like we were better on paper than Fulham or Burnley. This is football,
not PES. So I'm predicting another score draw.