Hull City have received praise in recent weeks for the business they managed to conclude in the summer transfer window, but ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace, the pressure is on the new boys to deliver.

Steve Bruce's side have collected just six points in as many matches this season, and prepare for the visit of Palace without a victory since the opening day of the campaign.

A win on Saturday afternoon is crucial for Hull, who face trips to Arsenal and Liverpool in the two games after the clash with the Eagles.

The Tigers have been dealt a cruel blow in their preparations, though, with the news that Allan McGregor will be out for up to a month due to a shoulder injury.

His absence is likely to hand an opportunity to veteran shot-stopper Steve Harper, while Bruce also allowed Yannick Sagbo to leave the club this week to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, meaning the pressure is on the remaining forwards to find top form.

However, they are unlikely to be given an easy ride by Palace, who are unbeaten in their previous four league fixtures, having won their last two against Everton and Leicester City.

Their impressive run of form should see Neil Warnock keep faith with the same 11 players who beat Leicester last week, as long as there are no injury problems in the build-up to the match at the KC Stadium.

Recent form

Hull City: WDLDDL

Crystal Palace: LLDDWW

Possible starting lineups

Hull City: Harper, Chester, Davies, Dawson, Elmohamady, Robertson, Livermore, Diame, Huddlestone, Jelavic, Hernandez

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Ward, Delaney, Dann, Kelly, Jedinak, Ledley, McArthur, Bolasie, Puncheon, Campbell

Sports Mole says: 2-2

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