Jan

Manchester United could be in Heaven after Hull

Top of the league awaits but a tough game comes first

The English Premier League could have their third leaders in the space of a few days if Manchester United can defeat Hull at Old Trafford.

It is FA Cup day in England but with these two teams dumped out in the last round, it will be three points at stake. If United can grab all three points, they will be looking down at the rest of the league, not bad for the club currently sitting in third.

This indicates the tightness at the top, which currently sees Arsenal and Chelsea on 48 points, with United one behind on 47. If United do win, they will be two points clear but will have played one more game than Arsenal and two more than Chelsea.

Therefore, Chelsea will have the chance to climb back to the top if they win their matches in hand but many managers will say they would rather have the points on the board than the games in hand.

The return of Rio Ferdinand is likely to give a boost to United but Vidic is likely to be sidelined. Dimitar Berbatov is still causing concern for Alex Ferguson but he should be recovered from a dead leg to take his place in the side, if selected.

Phil Brown will not be short of confidence heading to Old Trafford, he never is but he will realise it is a big task for his players today. Amir Zaki is unlikely to have the match fitness required and is not expected to make his Hull debut. That said, although it is a big day for United, if Hull could grab a win, it would move them out of the relegation zone.

It is tight at the top but equally so at the bottom. Hull are currently 18th on 19 points but a win could see them up to 14th!

Will United be moving top tonight?