Hull City play host to Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon looking to further extend their lead over the Championship relegation zone.
However, 23rd-placed Huddersfield make the trip to Humberside sitting just eight points adrift of their hosts while also holding a game in hand.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having put together a five-game unbeaten streak in the Championship, Hull boss Liam Rosenior would have recognised that there was a window of opportunity to overcome Fulham in the FA Cup last weekend.
In the absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic, that would have felt achievable, but the Tigers ultimately fell to a 2-0 defeat against the Premier League surprise package.
Although disappointment would have accompanied that setback, Rosenior will be content with being able to focus on surviving in the Championship, even mounting a bid for the playoffs.
In terms of points, Hull are now closer to the top six than they are to the bottom three, the first time that they have been able to say that since September.
Nevertheless, at a time when Hull remain without a home win since October 5, Rosenior will not be getting carried away with his team currently possessing the third longest undefeated run in the league, that streak only being bettered by the top two.
© Reuters
Despite travelling to the MKM Stadium sitting in the relegation zone, it is far from doom and gloom within the Huddersfield squad after their recent resurgence.
Losing their last two fixtures in all competitions to Luton Town and Preston North End has come as a blow, but Mark Fotheringham has seen enough from his players to suggest that they are capable of moving out of the relegation zone.
Wins over Preston and Rotherham were posted over the Christmas period, leaving the Terriers three points adrift of 20th spot while possessing a game in hand.
While Huddersfield remain with the worst away record in the Championship, their two away victories all season have come in their most recent three outings.
Team News
© Reuters
Having made changes for the FA Cup tie with Fulham, Rosenior will hope to revert back to much of the team which started the 4-1 win at Wigan Athletic on January 2.
Tyler Smith may be named on the substitutes' bench after being handed a chance versus the Cottagers, while Chelsea loan duo Xavier Simons and Harvey Vale are also expected to drop out of the side.
Aaron Connolly is pushing for a place in the final third after moving to the Tigers on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
After being left disappointed with his side's capitulation at Preston, Fotheringham will look to switch back to a team similar to the one which started versus Luton in the previous game.
Anthony Knockaert is in contention for an immediate debut after moving to the John Smith's Stadium on loan from Fulham.
The Frenchman may potentially replace Jack Rudoni if Fotheringham wants to freshen up his lineup in the final third.
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Ingram; Christie, Jones, McLoughlin, Greaves; Docherty, Seri; Longman, Slater, Sayyadmanesh; Estupinan
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Lees, Helik, Boyle; Hayden, Hogg, Kasumu, Ruffels; Rudoni, Holmes; Rhodes
We say: Hull City 1-1 Huddersfield Town
On the back of FA Cup defeats, it remains to be seen whether these two sides will be able to continue with their improved form in the Championship. While we can be accused of sitting on the fence, we can only predict a low-scoring draw between two teams who will feel that they are evenly matched.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
