This message was posted on the big screen at the Riverside Stadium before kick-off...

Image source, Rex Features

... and it appears to be working - the Middlesbrough fans are doing their best to get behind their side early on.

Middlesbrough almost work an opening on their left-hand side, but after a break from Gaston Ramirez, the ball doesn't quite break for Jordan Rhodes 18 yards out and visitors Hull can clear.

A lively start from both teams, though. Let's hope it carries on!

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"It is incredible what has gone on here (with Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka).

"I believe some of his senior players have got to him and he has had a ruck with one or two of them and he decided to walk out.

"He's obviously been persuaded to come back here by the chairman."

Conditions appear almost perfect on Teesside, with no rain and a decent-looking surface. Middlesbrough are bossing possession early on, and the home fans are making some good noise too.

The two teams are ready to go at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough in all red and Hull in all white.

We're under way!

Image source, Getty Images

Hull convincingly beat Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture back in November.

Mo Diame gave the Tigers a first-half lead, before goals from Sam Clucas and Tom Huddlestone completed victory.

Hull will accept something similar tonight...

BBC Radio 5 Live

Only five minutes away from kick-off now.

Remember, you can hear live coverage of Middlesbrough v Hull on BBC Radio 5 live. Listen online by clicking on the play icon at the top of the page.

Ian Brown and former England midfielder Steve Stone are in position at the Riverside Stadium.

BBC Tees and BBC Radio Humberside are also covering tonight's match - unfortunately a rights issue prevents us from streaming Football League commentaries being broadcast by BBC local radio on our website.

Image source, Rex Features

Will Uruguay striker Abel Hernandez add to his tally of 16 league goals? He's on the bench for Hull, with Sone Aluko preferred in attack.

Hernandez hasn't found the net since 13 February.

Image source, Rex Features

When Middlesbrough spent £9m to sign Jordan Rhodes from Blackburn at the end of the January transfer window, many thought it would be the deal that almost guaranteed promotion for the Teessiders.

It hasn't quite worked out that way... yet.

The Scotland striker has netted only once in nine league appearances for Boro, and is without a goal in seven outings.

At least Rhodes gets the chance to start tonight, unlike Hull's top scorer...

Of course, the ultimate aim for Middlesbrough and Hull this season is to win promotion to the Premier League.

It's what almost every team aspires to, but only a select few can achieve it.

I've been lucky enough to see my team do it three times, and I'd dig out a picture of myself in a dodgy multi-coloured wig celebrating the first one if I wasn't too busy writing this live text commentary...

But I'd like to hear about your memories of watching your club win promotion - get in touch using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

Image source, Rex Features

So we've got two sides badly out of form and they're playing with the added pressure of being involved in a Championship promotion battle.

This could either be a damp squib or a classic. Hopefully the latter.

About 20 minutes to go until kick-off.

Image source, PA

Steve Bruce is aiming to win promotion from the second tier for the fourth time as a manager, but his Hull side are doing things the hard way.

"I expect us to handle the situation better than we have," said Bruce after Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to Nottingham Forest, which left the Tigers fourth in the table and two points from an automatic promotion spot.

"We are trying too hard, trying to do the ridiculous when the simple way in football is always the right way."

Image source, PA

Middlesbrough's recent form has been poor, but Hull's hasn't been much better.

Since the start of February, Steve Bruce's side have won only two of their eight league matches, drawing four and losing the other two.

Not bad, but hardly promotion-winning form either.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"Middlesbrough's recent results are horrendous and it's all about momentum at this stage of the season.

"You look above them and Burnley are starting to run away with it and Brighton have won three of their last five, they have the momentum.

"Boro need to relax a little bit because they don't want to drop too far down in the play-offs."

Listen to commentary of tonight's match on BBC Radio 5 live or by clicking on the play button at the top of the page.

Image source, Getty Images

Middlesbrough have lost three of their last four Championship matches to slip to third in the table, a point behind second-placed Brighton.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Charlton was their seventh league loss away from home this term.

On home soil, however, they have taken 39 points from a possible 51 available this season.

Image source, Getty Images

What a weird few days it has been at Middlesbrough.

Head coach Aitor Karanka will be back in the dugout for tonight's match after missing Sunday's defeat at Charlton.

Karanka missed last Sunday's defeat Charlton amid rumours of a bust-up with some of his players, but returned to his role on Monday.

The 42-year-old Spaniard refused to elaborate too much on what went on, and is keen for everyone to put the episode behind them.

"The past is the past," said Karanka. "It's true it was a different situation, but again, the main thing is Middlesbrough Football Club and the team and the aim to get promotion this year."

Image source, .

Two changes for Hull - Sone Aluko starts up front after scoring the equaliser in Tuesday's draw with Nottingham Forest, while Jake Livermore is drafted into midfield.

Abel Hernandez and Ahmed Elmohamady make way.

Subs: Jakupovic, Bruce, Hernandez, Maguire, Akpom, Diomande, Elmohamady.

Image source, .

Cristhian Stuani and Tomas Kalas are added to Middlesbrough's starting line-up, with Stewart Downing and teenage centre-back Dael Fry dropping out from the side that lost at Charlton.

Subs: Agazzi, De Laet, De Sart, Downing, Fry, Forshaw, Nugent.

Image source, .

One look at the top of the Championship table shows just how close the battle for automatic promotion is.

A couple of months ago, Middlesbrough and Hull City looked to be the sides to catch. But both have suffered dips in form in recent weeks, allowing Burnley and Brighton to leap above them in the race for the Premier League.

Will either of them come good tonight? Stick with BBC Sport's live text and radio commentary to find out.

Kick-off is at 19:45 GMT and I'll bring you the team news next.