Hull City

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Hull City's Joe Gelhardt says the Tigers must "take more risks" when they attack to help get the results they need to stay in the Championship.

Only relegation rivals Luton Town (41) have scored fewer goals than the 43 Hull have managed across 44 games this season.

Ruben Selles' side came from behind to beat Preston 2-1 on Easter Monday in what was only the ninth league match in which they've scored two or more goals.

"We want to score goals, and I think we need to take more risks in the final third sometimes," Gelhardt told BBC Radio Humberside.

"If the ball isn't in the box, you're never going to score, so at some point we know we've got to take more risks and have more shots on goal - or even crosses into the box - and flood the box."

Three of the teams below Hull - who are two points clear of the drop zone in 20th - also won on Monday, but Gelhardt says he's looking up the table.

"As long as we get the three points, it doesn't matter what's going on around us," said the Leeds loanee, who has scored three goals in 16 games since arriving in January.

"Preston were four points ahead of us; now it's one, so instead of looking down at other teams, let's look up and try and catch other teams.

"That's my perspective on it."

Hull welcome 21st-placed Derby County for what Gelhardt described as a "massive" encounter on Saturday afternoon.

"We will do everything we can this week in preparation to come back here and get the three points," he added.

"We're all fully focused on that, and we'll do what it takes."

Listen to Joe Gelghardt's interview on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Hull City head coach Ruben Selles says the victory over Preston North End was "simply massive" in their battle to avoid relegation.

Joe Gelhardt scored two second-half penalties as the Tigers came from a goal down to defeat North End.

With three of the four teams below them winning, Hull needed this result to maintain a two-point cushion above the relegation zone.

And with just two games to go, Hull welcome Derby County - the team immediately below them - on Saturday in a pivotal match.

"I know in this part of the season things become so tight and emotional that every moment and action is crucial," Selles told BBC Radio Humberside.

"At the end it was a fantastic feeling.

"In the second half we showed what we want to be. We showed a lot of character.

"I'm happy for the boys because they have been working hard to get the points and we didn't get as many as we wanted or as we deserved but it doesn't matter right now because the attitude has always been good.

"The three points today is simply massive to keep us with the two-point advantage and gives us the belief and feeling that we have been trying to find."

Image source, Rex Features

Hull City defender John Egan says the penalty decision that went against him during their 1-0 loss to Swansea City is "tough to take".

The penalty was awarded for a handball, though replays show that Zan Vipotnik's shot hit Egan in the face.

It was then converted by Vipotnik and proved to be the match winner.

"It's hard to speak because it's so raw. They were on top first half and then obviously the penalty in the second half has decided the game. The ball has hit my face so I don't know how they've given the penalty.

"I don't think the ref gave it, I think the linesman gave it. I asked him to speak to the linesman because the ball hit my face so he can't be 100% sure. They didn't want to do that. It's a tough one to take.

"To lose a game in that manner is frustrating. It's a tough loss to take. We've three huge games left now, we've got to dust ourselves down and go again."

Hull City's late leveller against Coventry City in their previous game might just prove vital to the Tigers' hopes of steering clear of the relegation battle.

That 1-1 draw keeps them three points above the bottom three but, with their vastly superior goal difference to the three teams in trouble, it's effectively four.

The Swans are on a roll, with three wins on the spin and still have a super-slim chance of sneaking into the top six.

• Swansea City have lost just one of their past nine home league games against Hull City (W3 D5), including none of their last five (W2 D3).

• After beating Swansea 2-1 in December, Hull could do the league double over them for the first time since 2016-17 in the Premier League.

• Since beating Rotherham 4-3 in 2019, Swansea are winless in their past four league games on Good Friday (D3 L1).

• Hull are unbeaten in each of their past two away league games on Good Friday (W1 D1), beating Crewe Alexandra 2-1 in 2021 and drawing 4-4 with Sunderland in 2023.

• Swansea have won each of their past three league games without conceding, the Swans last won four successive league games without conceding in March 2008.

Mike White
BBC Radio Humberside, sports editor & Hull City commentator

Image source, Rex Features

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.

Image source, Rex Features

Hull City forward Abu Kamara claims he plotted his equalising goal with teammate Nordin Amrabat from the bench in the 1-1 draw against Coventry City.

Kamara and Amrabat were introduced just before the hour mark in a double substitution by head coach Ruben Selles with the Tigers a goal down following Matt Grimes' deflected opener for the Sky Blues.

With eight minutes of normal time remaining, Amrabat's pinpoint crossfield pass found Kamara in space and his curling effort towards the far corner hit Coventry defender Jay Dasilva, creeping in at the near post to earn Hull a share of the spoils.

"Me and Nordin were just having a conversation talking about how we were going to link up [before the double substitution]," Kamara told BBC Radio Humberside.

"He just said to me to make that darting run in behind the full-back, and that's how the goal came along.

"All I had to do was touch and shoot, the pass was on the money really."

Kamara's fifth league goal of the season for the Tigers saw them go three points clear of the Championship relegation zone with just four matches remaining and the 21-year-old says he remains confident about his side's survival chances.

"It feels great to be honest, coming on and playing a massive role in getting a point towards our goal is just everything to me," he added.

"I want to keep this team up and I think we're more than capable of staying up in this league."

Adam Cottier
BBC Radio Five Live reporter

Image source, Rex Features

As far as goalkeeping performances in the Championship are concerned, Ivor Pandur's for Hull against Coventry must be considered as one of the most impressive in the division this season given the high stakes for his team at this stage of the season.

Hull's poor home form is significant reason for their plight, but as Coventry laid siege to their goal at the MKM Stadium, Pandur stood tall to earn the Tigers a precious point.

The Croatian made a variety of excellent saves to keep his team in a largely one-sided contest. His positional sense and command of his area unwavering until the cruellest of deflections saw him beaten at the start the second half.

The one-man barrier maintained his composure though and as he kept the score down, Hull grabbed their unlikely late leveller.

And there was still time for one late stop - probably the best of the lot - from Milan van Eiwijk's venomous late strike.

Pandur's player-of-the-match performance suggests Hull have a goalkeeper they can rely on in the remaining four games and beyond.

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, PA Media

Hull manager Ruben Selles said he has the squad to compete for Championship survival after a late goal from Abu Kamara earned the Tigers a 1-1 draw with Coventry.

Hull are three points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining and have scored just 41 goals in 42 Championship matches.

But Selles is confident of success. He told BBC Radio Humberside: "Coventry have been particularly good since Frank Lampard took over and we knew it would be a difficult game.

"We managed to be competitive, stayed in the game and created situations like the one for Kasey [Palmer] - we need to start to put those in.

"The game management we showed for the goal we conceded is something we need to stop and eradicate from our game - hopefully forever - because it's costing us points.

"The team showed character in the second half. The subs made a big impact and we managed to get the point and show we can be as competitive as anybody.

"I know what I have in my dressing room - they are competitors and doing everything for the club."

Hull City midfielder Lincoln says he would like to stay with the Tigers once his loan spell concludes at the end of the season.

The Brazilian joined in January from Turkish side Fenerbahce and has since made seven Championship appearances, playing the full 90 minutes during their loss to Watford on Tuesday.

"I like this club, I like the fans, I like everything," Lincoln told BBC Radio Humberside.

"I don't confirm this, other people decide this, but if it's possible to stay, I'll stay.

"I like too much the club, the players, the staff - it's like family."

As for what plans his parent club Fenerbahce have in store for the 26-year-old, Lincoln says he is unsure - but it's not something that's on his mind as Hull bid to save themselves from relegation with just five games remaining.

"I don't want to ask because my mind is only here," he added.

"I know it's difficult but I hope we win the five games and after they have time for a talk - but my mind, my focus is only here."

Listen to the full interview and more on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Rex Features

Hull City boss Ruben Selles understands the concerns of supporters but says he cannot get caught up in the reaction to defeats.

Tigers fans were particularly critical after their 1-0 defeat by Watford in the Championship on Tuesday left them only two points above the relegation zone with five games remaining.

"I understand the fans concerns in terms of the position we are in and the time of season it is," Selles told BBC Radio Humberside.

"It's not my job to be concerned about that, my job is to make this team competitive and try to compete every game which is the only way we can win football matches."

The former Reading head coach replaced Tim Walter at the MKM Stadium in December and has overseen eight wins from 23 league games.

"I have not seen my team be outplayed by anybody - we have played some decent games and we will continue working" said Selles.

"We need to keep working on the things we do and give the boys more solutions, especially in the final third - we know the points where we need to be better but it's not a magic formula."

Hull City meet Coventry City in the Championship on Monday 14 April.

Just one win from their past four games has seen Hull City drop back into trouble in the Championship.

Coventry City have won seven of their past 10 league games but have lost two of their past three outings.

• Hull have lost just one of their past six league games against Coventry (W3 D2), though that sole defeat did come in the reverse fixture back in December (2-1).

• Coventry will be looking to record a first league double against Hull since the 2006-07 campaign.

• Hull have picked up fewer points at home in the Championship this season than any other side (19), losing nine of their 20 home league matches (W4 D7).

• Coventry have lost both of their past two away league games, last losing three on the spin in November 2023.

• Hull have lost 11 of their past 16 league games played on a Monday (W3 D2). Meanwhile, Coventry have only won one of their past 18 away league games on this day of the week (D4 L13), although that was their most recent at Middlesbrough on New Year's Day 2024 (3-1).

Hull City midfielder Regan Slater says he is unsure why his side have been unable to produce a consistent run of good results this season.

Speaking after the Tigers' 1-0 defeat at Watford on Tuesday, the 25-year-old midfielder he was disappointed his team were unable to continue on from their impressive showing in the stoppage-time victory at Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

"We lacked a little bit of quality in the final third. It's something we've struggled with all season really," Slater told BBC Radio Humberside.

"I don't think there was much in the game at all, to be honest with you. I think its disappointing not to come away with a point."

Slater has been a mainstay in the City midfield this season, starting 32 Championship matches and being left on the bench only once.

"When we do go and get a result, we struggle to go and back that up," he added.

"We need to stick together, we need to improve in the final third, but I think we've got enough characters in this changing room to keep us out the bottom three."

Image source, Getty Images

Hull City manager Ruben Selles has said his team are as competitive as any team in the league, after defeat to Watford kept them perilously close to the relegation zone.

The Tigers offered little in attack at Vicarage Road, leaving them two points above Cardiff in 21st place with five games to play.

"We were competitive enough, the game was won in one action, they had a little bit more quality into the final third," Selles told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We gave up pressure too easily for their goal, and we defended out of structure. We can do much better tracking the runner."

Selles was asked about Hull's final five games, and whether they are playing well enough to get over the line.

"We have got a lot of good situations in the last few months," he added, with Hull hosting Coventry next Monday. "We didn't get the results today, but we have not been inconsistent. The league is very competitive.

"The players are dealing with [the relegation battle] as well as they can do it. I do not see a team, or a player, that cannot deal with this situation."

Hull City travel to Watford on Tuesday (19:45 BST) in the hopes of putting more distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

The Tigers are undefeated across five of their past six league matches (W3 D2) to boost into 19th place on the table, but still remain just three points ahead of 22nd placed Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Watford's form is the opposite. They've only won one of their past six (D2 L3) and now find themselves seven points outside the play-off spots.

• Both of the last two league matches between Watford and Hull City have been drawn, but these sides have never shared the points three times in a row before.

• Hull are unbeaten in their last five away games at Watford in the Championship (W2 D3) since a 1-0 defeat in the 2007-08 season.

• Watford have kept eight home clean sheets in the Championship this season; in the 21st century, only in 2013-14 (9), 2020-21 (14), and 2022-23 (10) have they recorded more home clean sheets in a league campaign.

• Hull have lost each of their last four midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) away league outings, this after winning six such games in a row beforehand.

• Watford have lost seven of their last nine Championship games played on a Tuesday (W1 D1), including both of their last two in a row.

Image source, Rex Features

Hull City head coach Ruben Selles said it was important his side fought until the end in their 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Charlie Hughes' stoppage-time winner secured a vital three points in the Tigers' battle against relegation, lifting them up to 19th in the table.

Selles lauded his players and added that they know the pain of losing by tight margins late in games.

"We knew we would need to stay in the game if we wanted to get chances, and at the end the boys got that header and three points," he told BBC Radio Humberside.

"We've been on the other side, where you lose the game in the final action, and today was a really good feeling."

Selles also claimed the result shows how tough the Championship is to compete in.

"In a Championship game it's really difficult to read the opponent, especially away from home, but you need to manage to stay in the game and when there are good moments to score and you don't, you have to manage not to concede," he added.

"Every game since I have been here was decided by one action - a 1-0 or a 2-1 situation, and you have to fight for that to go to your side."

Hull City visit Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday (15:00 BST) as the look to avoid dropping into the bottom three.

The Tigers are only one point above the relegation line and were the only side in the bottom five not to have picked up points last time out after suffering a defeat to Luton.

But with financial problems plaguing the hosts this week, it would be doubly damaging if the Owls were to see their struggling Yorkshire rivals put a further dent into their dwindling dreams of promotion.

• Sheffield Wednesday are looking to complete their first league double over Hull City since beating them twice in 1990-91 under Ron Atkinson.

• Hull lost 3-1 at Hillsborough last season but haven't suffered consecutive league defeats away at Sheffield Wednesday since August 1972.

• Sheffield Wednesday have lost each of their last three home league matches, losing each game by a one-goal margin. The Owls haven't lost four in a row at home since December 2012.

• Hull won 3-0 away at Sheffield United earlier this campaign but have never previously won away at both Sheffield clubs in a league season. The last side to beat both by three or more goals away from home in one season was Huddersfield Town in 1953-54 (6-3 at United, 4-1 at Wednesday).

• Sheffield Wednesday's Barry Bannan has four assists in his last 10 Championship appearances and since 2015-16, only Jed Wallace (56) and John Swift (48) have more assists in the competition than the Scotsman (44).