Hull City isn't going to have a heck of a lot to play for in the 2016-17 season, but this is one piece of silverware that the team really has a shot at grabbing. The Tigers are going to need a big match against Manchester United if they want to advance into the EFL Cup finale.
Don't miss the EFL Cup action from KCOM Stadium at 2:45 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 26, 2016. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Hull City +500
Manchester United -175
Draw +300
Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
Hull City obviously has a big mountain to climb, and that's why it's a 20 to 1 longshot to get out of this match and move onto the final. The Tigers are down 2-0 and have to overturn that horrible result from Old Trafford. First things first though, is going to be pulling off the upset in this match. The Red Devils are -175 favorites to win this match outright, while Hull City is 5 to 1 just to find a way to win this match by any score, let alone the three goals necessary to advance.
The First Leg
Hull City has been dealing with horrible injuries of late, and that's one of the many reasons why this first leg got out of hand in a hurry. In fact, the argument could be made that the Tigers are fortunate to only be behind by two goals. Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini were the two goal scorers for Manchester United, and all of this came with Zlatan Ibrahimovic out due to an illness. The Tigers did get a few shots on target, but the bottom line is that United had 21 rips at net, six of which hit the target and three of which hit home.
How They Got Here
Hull City was probably a bit fortunate every step of the way in the EFL Cup. The team entered in the second round against League Two side Exeter City and walked away with an easy 3-1 triumph, and from there, it had to face its only Premier League side along the way to the semis in Stoke City, a 2-1 triumph. Championship side Bristol City was downed 2-1, while the Tigers picked up a victory in a penalty shootout against Newcastle in the quarterfinals after both teams scored in extra time.
Manchester United's third round tie against Northampton Town couldn't have been easier at 3-1, and after that came its crowning moment of the tournament to date, dismissing cup holders Manchester City 1-0 at Old Trafford. There was never an issue getting past West Ham in a 4-1 victory in the quarters.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
It'll be interesting to see what type of lineup Jose Mourinho uses here in the second leg of the semifinals of the EFL Cup. Manchester United still has a heck of a lot of really important matches ahead, including an FA Cup home affair with Wigan Athletic over the weekend with the Europa League home-and-home matchup with St. Etienne still looming in February as well. There aren't many full weeks off at this point, and that could be a big problem going forward, and it'll have to be tempting to use a lesser side for this match.
For Hull City, there's nothing to do but go for broke, even with a side that is playing without virtually all of its superstar players. But hey, even with a lineup that fielded virtually no one of note against Bournemouth, the team still picked up a 3-1 victory at home a week and a half ago, and that was followed up by a better-than-you'd-think showing against Chelsea, a team that is, without a doubt, the best in England this year. Maybe the Tigers can at least make this one a little interesting, though we don't see United coming anywhere near bowing out.
EFL Cup Odds: Hull City 1, Manchester United 1
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