Hull City play host to Watford on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will further strengthen their hold of a Championship playoff spot.

At a time when the Tigers sit in sixth position in the standings, Watford are in 13th, six points adrift of their upcoming hosts.

Match preview

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There were signs last season that Liam Rosenior was slowly building something at Hull and that progression is now coming to the fore, with the Tigers emerging as contenders for promotion.

Losing just four of their opening 18 fixtures in the second tier is a standout statistic, but Rosenior will be more satisfied with the four wins that have come from their last six outings.

Hull took their momentum from their 2-2 comeback draw at Swansea City on Saturday to cruise past Rotherham United by a 4-1 scoreline in midweek.

Three goals in the opening 20 minutes meant that a third successive home victory was never in doubt, and it kept them on the coattails of the bigger clubs above.

Rosenior's side have also scored in their last 11 fixtures in the Championship, an effort that will not be lost on a Watford side who are also growing in belief.

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That would not have seemed the case when the Hornets were soon 2-0 behind to Norwich at Vicarage Road in midweek, with Valerien Ismael wondering whether his players had lost their way after the international break.

However, Watford stormed back to earn a 3-2 triumph against the Canaries, making it 10 goals being scored in their last three fixtures at home.

More notably, Ismael's side have now collected 15 points from eight games, with their only defeat during that time coming away at leaders Leicester City.

Their away form is an issue - just one win has been posted in eight matches on their travels - yet they were three games unbeaten before their trip to the King Power Stadium last weekend.

Team News

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Rosenior may look to name the same Hull XI after being able to rest players during the second half against Rotherham.

If an alteration is made, it could see Ozan Tufan return in a creative role and Jason Lokilo drop down to the substitutes' bench.

Winger Jaden Philogene heads into this fixture having contributed at least one goal or assist in his most recent seven outings.

Watford pulled off their comeback against Norwich without making any substitutions until the 83rd minute, meaning that Ismael could opt to keep with the same side.

Imran Louza and Matheus Martins are options in midfield and attack if Ismael opts to introduce fresh legs, while Ben Hamer will hope to keep the goalkeeping position despite Daniel Bachmann being available after a ban.

Hull City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Christie, Jones, Greaves, Coyle; Seri, Morton; Lokilo, Twine, Philogene; Delap

Watford possible starting lineup:
Hamer; Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Lewis; Kayembe, Livermore, Kone; Asprilla, Rajovic, Sema

We say: Hull City 1-1 Watford

With both teams having built some momentum, this has all the makings of an entertaining contest. There are more vulnerabilities in the Watford ranks than within their hosts, yet we feel that the Hornets will do enough to earn a share of the spoils.


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