Hull City make the trip to Bristol City on Friday evening with the opportunity to move six points clear in the Championship playoff race.
At a time when the visitors sit in sixth position in the standings, Bristol City are 14th after recently ending their winless run.
Match preview
© Reuters
Liam Rosenior always had the potential of making a positive impact at Hull, yet many would not have foreseen the progress that he has made and new contract that he has been handed.
That is reward for 36 points being collected from 22 matches in the second tier this season, keeping the Tigers within six points of third-placed Leeds United.
After an impressive comeback victory at Middlesbrough, Hull were far more ruthless at home to Cardiff City three days later, scoring all of their goals either side of half time.
As a result, Hull are six points clear of the Bluebirds, who are 12th, and that highlights the difference that one result can make in the playoff race.
Hull also possess the fifth-best away record in the division, winning five of 11 games, but they had previously been on a three-match winless streak before the triumph against the odds at the Riverside Stadium.
From Bristol City's perspective, three defeats in four games had left Liam Manning being in need of getting more points on the board as soon as possible.
Although the Robins board see Manning as a long-term option, they also need to see progress, something which was achieved with a 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
Despite still sitting down in 14th spot, Bristol City are just seven points adrift of their next opponents, making it clear what a win on Friday could do for their season.
In terms of wins, draws and losses, Bristol City have an identical home record to Hull's return on their travels, but something will have to give at Ashton Gate.
Team News
© Reuters
With a 4-4-2 formation proving effective against Sunderland, Bristol City appear likely to stick with that strategy against Hull.
However, with their goal coming from the penalty spot, changes are a possibility, the likes of Joe Williams, Andreas Weimann and Sam Bell all in contention.
Although Nakhi Wells was deemed fit enough to return to the squad for that game, he stayed an unused substitute, and the forward should remain on the bench here.
Barring any fitness issues, there will be no reason for Rosenior to tinker with the Hull XI that cruised to victory over Cardiff.
Jaden Philogene remains absent with a knee injury and is not expected to return until after the start of 2024.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Dickie, Pring; Sykes, James, Gardner-Hickman, Mehmeti; Knight, Conway
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Christie, Jones, Greaves, Coyle; Morton, Seri; Delap, Tufan, Twine; Connolly
We say: Bristol City 1-2 Hull City
With another win under their belts, Manning's Bristol City will fancy their chances of collecting something from this contest. However, we feel that the visitors will showcase their quality and battle their way to three points, strengthening their promotion bid in the process.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
