Manchester City play host to bottom-of-the-table Hull City on Boxing Day hoping to secure a third straight victory and maintain their charge towards the Premier League’s summit.

After impressive wins over Watford and Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s side look set to push to close the gap between themselves and leaders Chelsea, and three points against the Humberside outfit would go a considerable to helping to close the gap, or at least ensure it doesn’t grow.

However, with Mike Phelan’s side fighting for their lives, City’s visit to the KCOM Stadium is likely to be a hard-fought one, even though the Tigers have just one win to their name in their last 15 fixtures.

The prize for victory may be three points, but nonetheless, the confidence gained from a win could bolster either side’s chance of achieving their respective goals.

Without delaying anymore, here is the XI Guardiola must choose for City to overcome Hull…

GK: Claudio Bravo

Surprisingly enough, during both of City’s victories at the Etihad Stadium last week, Claudio Bravo was practically faultless.

Both Watford and Arsenal made little effort to put the Chile international under pressure, and thus he thrived, with his confidence growing further.

Hull are likely to cause concerns for Bravo on the break, and he must ensure his ‘sweeper-keeper’ tag is is justified.

RB: Bacary Sagna

Is Sagna a game changer? Last Sunday during the club’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, City found themselves 0-1 down until Sagna was brought on by Guardiola at half-time.

The Frenchman must ensure his defensive responsibilities are met at Hull and also not to allow his City defence to become complacent if the Citizens manage to gather a lead.

CB: Nicolas Otamendi

When Otamendi plays for City, the club rarely lose. Despite his erratic displays for the Citizens, Otamendi is rarely beaten for strength or positioning against the opposition.

Out of form forward Dieumerci Mbokani will be the Argentine’s cause for concern, and the defender must guarantee his lack of goals continue, if he’s to help his side.

It’s been 14-months since Otamendi’s last goal for City, and it came against Mbokani’s former side Norwich, so the time may be right for him to end that drought.

CB: Aleksandar Kolarov

Serbian defender Aleksandar Kolarov has become somewhat of a favourite under Pep Guardiola, and he continues to operate in various roles.

In fact, as a central-defender, City have conceded just one goal in their last two games – as opposed to seven in their previous two.

LB: Gael Clichy

French international Clichy has just six months remaining on his current contract, and it’s unlikely the former Arsenal man will persuade Guardiola to hand him another deal.

Clichy has potentially the most challenging task of any City player today as he must prevent Robert Snodgrass from having any effect on the game.

DM: Fernando

Brazilian-born Fernando has proved something of a revelation for Guardiola in recent weeks as he continues to provide added security to an already weak defence.

Against Hull, Fernando must overcome the physicality of Mike Phelan’s side and ensure his presence is felt at the KCOM Stadium.

The holding midfielder has showcased his talent in recent months making him worthy of his place in the starting XI.

CM: Fernandinho

Have City missed the Brazilian over the last few weeks? Possibly not, but it would be foolish to leave him out given his energy and combativeness.

Fernando has slotted in perfectly in his absence and without Ilkay Gundogan through injury; Fernandinho could have a more freed role to penetrate the opposition defence, like Gundogan used to.

His team-mate Fernando is more than capable of playing the holding role – as shown against Arsenal last weekend.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

If anyone had any reason to doubt Kevin De Bruyne’s recent form, his Man of the Match performance against Arsenal highlighted the Belgian international’s ability.

De Bruyne is likely to be the key master to unlock this defensive Hull side, who will be hoping to counter-attack City when possible.

The Belgian’s devastating passes and delivery from set-pieces guarantee City have a chance of scoring whenever he’s on the pitch.

RW: Raheem Sterling

Following his injury at Burnley almost a month ago, Sterling has returned to the early season form that saw him win the credit he fully deserved.

Sterling’s winning goal against Arsenal could be pivotal come May, but of equal importance is the away trip to Hull where City must come away with three points.

Sterling can stretch this tight Hull defence with his pace, and if the England winger is on form this could be a rout for Hull.

LW: Leroy Sane

After Gary Neville spoke highly of Sane on Monday Night Football, the German international must finally be gaining valuable confidence as he continues to settle into life in Manchester.

Sane’s directness and unbelievable speed could give the Hull City defenders nightmares as they prepare for this game.

Another goal to build on his equaliser last Sunday wouldn’t go amiss.

ST: Nolito

Last weekend saw the surprise exclusion of Nolito following his impressive displays against Leicester and Watford previously.

The winger played in a No.9 role and was very efficient in doing so.

With an almost Carlos Tevez-like attitude, Nolito’s work-rate could be the deciding factor in determining the winner of the contest today.