The Visitors – Hull City

In an already tough league, this fixture will be as hard as they come. Hull City sit second in the Championship but a draw will see them replace Burnley at the summit.

CURRENT FORM

The Tigers have 64 points, 13 more than Blues. The secret to their success has been their defence – only 19 goals have been conceded. Hull have lost only one of their last nine league encounters and held Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Emirates in the FA Cup. However, Steve Bruce`s men have failed to score in three of their last four games.

Blues` form has been somewhat sporadic. They have only lost two of their last ten but only won one from the last five – with only two goals scored. Just four points separate Blues and the play-offs.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HULL CITY

Productivity is Hull`s middle name. Substance comes before style. Hull are hard to break down and have some very dangerous players in their ranks. Abel Hernandez has scored 17 goals this term so far, keeping him quiet will be a challenge. But Sam Clucas is the instrumental cog in their wheel, he has seven assists.

Typical of a Steve Bruce side, organisation, effort and a bit of quality thrown in. Former Blues defender Curtis Davies will return to St. Andrew`s with a new contract in front of him.

MORE OF THE SAME?

It`s a wide held belief that Bleus can only play one system and I expect the usual 4-2-3-1 formation tonight. Having David Cotterill fit and available is a massive boost for Blues when he regains full sharpness and Jacques Maghoma continues his decent vein of form.

The million dollar decision will be whether to play Jon Toral, Diego Fabbrini or both. Gary Rowett is adamant they can play in the same side in the ‘right circumstances`. Toral has been outstanding this season but Fabbrini is the new boy trying to find his feet.

Paul Caddis may get the nod ahead of Ryan Shotton who struggled against QPR.

THOUGHTS FROM VITAL HULL

Of course this must be true as it’s in the Daily Star!

First and foremost I’ll get that out there regarding the disrespectful reports about Andrew Robertson that have mocked not only the player but Hull too as they say the Man United ‘worldwide search for a left-back has taken them – to Hull’ with Robertson looked at.

Considering the Scottish international has long since been linked with a Premier League return this isn’t surprising is it that a club like United (assuming they do) have an interest in him.

Robertson, signed from Dundee United a couple of years ago, has previously been linked with Arsenal and some claim Man United will have to battle with Man City and Spurs too if they want him in the summer, with Steve Bruce previously rating him at around the £15m (I think it was) price range.

It has been claimed ‘Old Trafford scouts watched Robertson in Hull’s game against Brighton earlier this month,’ which it wouldn’t surprise me if they did but it doesn’t mean the £2.85m signing is going anywhere, especially if we get back into the Premier League ourselves at the end of the season!

That is of course our aim, with the continued help of the 21-year-old.

On the topic of Scottish international’s, Robert Snodgrass’ return to fitness and form is expected to see him recalled into Gordon Strachan’s national squad next month, where he could well join club teammate Robertson for the first time – Article via hull.vitalfootball.co.uk

THE FANS VIEWS

@Still_Alive_42 – Serious respect for Steve Bruce based on the after match interview. Having seen the highlights, the referee was wrong. #swfc #hcfc

@nwallaceowl – Know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea but fair play Steve Bruce. Admitted 2nd yellow was wrong and praised us for who we are. #hcfc #swfc

@jakebcfc1909 – For us to stand a chance tonight,Caddis and Toral must start IMO #bcfc

@InglestonDaz – Kumars to re-take control of the board. Lee Clarke appointed master tactician.Ground share with Avfc. You heard it here first #BCFC 3.33

Article written by Rob Wildey – @robwildey123