'Cautious optimism Hull will just about survive'

Consistently inconsistent is the best way to describe a side who haven't won back-to-back games since October under then-head coach Tim Walter, so attempting to predict how City will finish is like trying to plait fog.

The less said about the German's brief stay in East Yorkshire, the better. But they are where they are in no small part thanks to his failed attempt to conquer the English game with a style that left most scratching their heads.

Depending on what time of day you ask Tigers fans, I sense there's a cautious optimism that they will be OK and will just… emphasis on just… survive - if not from their own doing but what others may not do.

However, they shouldn't be leaving anything to chance, although I don't believe anybody inside the inner sanctum of the club will be doing that.

The biggest issue outside of a lack of consistency is a lack of goals and conceding in sloppy and familiar ways (10 of their 50 goals against have come in the opening 10 minutes after half-time).

They offer little in terms of a threat in front of goal and are the second lowest scorers in the division (41) ahead of Luton (37) - and if you're using them as a benchmark for attacking prowess this season, you're in 'clutching at straws' territory.

Hull have to go to Swansea, who are unbeaten in four and have won the their past three, before returning to their less-than-productive MKM Stadium home for an Easter Monday meeting with Preston.

The Tigers then host Derby in what currently looks like being a pivotal game depending on how this weekend shapes up.

Of course it could all be settled by that point and certainly the hope is that's the case by the time Ruben Selles' side make the long trip to Portsmouth on the final day.