Didier Ndong finds himself in a bit of space in the Hull box and wins a corner...

Here's that Hull change. Lazar Markovic cannot continue and that means an introduction, as we expected, for Tom Huddlestone.

Play continues and while Hull are a man light, Jermain Defoe fizzes a rising drive just over the home crossbar.

The Sunderland striker has not scored in his past 10 matches...

Lazar Markovic is still getting treatment on the sideline, Hull temporarily down to 10 men.

It doesn't look like he will continue though. That's because Tom Huddlestone is getting stripped off and ready to come on.

This isn't great news for Hull, however. Lazar Markovic is down with a spot of injury bother.

And they almost do! 

Abel Hernandez finds himself in acres of space just inside the Sunderland box when he is found by left-back Andrew Robertson's low cross.

His eyes light up - but he doesn't bank on John O'Shea flinging his ageing body in the way to block. Excellent defending.

Hull are the only side not to score against Sunderland this season. Yet.

That is an unwanted stat the home side need to remedy rather quickly.

Leon Osman
Ex-Everton midfielder at KCOM Stadium for 5 live Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We've got a game now! It's end-to-end, and that's just what Hull need because they are chasing a goal. Of course, that in itself could create openings for Sunderland. Things are boiling up nicely...

"COME ON CITY!"

The home crowd find their voices as they will their team forward. Better from Hull.

The whole of Hull thought they were going to see the Sunderland goal bulge.

Lazar Markovic is left all alone inside the Sunderland box, jumping to meet Ahmed Elmohamady's delightful right-wing cross with a thumping header.

Jordan Pickford - not for the first time this season - comes to Sunderland's rescue with a flying fingertip save.

Leon Osman
Ex-Everton midfielder at KCOM Stadium for 5 live Sport

It was so, so simple from Sunderland for Jermain Defoe to break beyond the Hull backline. But his first touch took him away from goal and, being closed down swiftly by a centre-back, he could only prod it towards goal and it was an easy save. 

But what distribution up to Defoe by Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford... 

Remember, you can also hear Messrs Dennis and Osman describe the action on Radio 5 live.

Nice cap, Leon.

It's opening up!

Almost a goal at the other end! Kamil Grosicki - who is easily Hull's most potent attacking threat - clips up a teasing cross from the left, Jordan Pickford flaps, but his touch is just enough to stop Alfred N'Diaye nodding in.

And then Hull go straight on the attack...

Jermain Defoe usually buries these. The Sudnerland striker scampers clear of the Hull defence, opens up his body, shaping up to steer into the far corner. But he can only hit it straight at Eldin Jakupovic.

Image source, Reuters

Leon Osman
Ex-Everton midfielder at KCOM Stadium for 5 live Sport

Hull have 45 minutes now to make it count, to grab those goals that will guarantee their points. This is Hull's entire season, right here.

Image source, Rex Features

Hull midfielder Lazar Markovic tumbles over in the Sunderland box, bringing a few half-hearted appeals from the home faithful. 

The on-loan Liverpool player tries to dance around the wardrobe-like frame of Victor Anichebe. He bounces off him like a ball off a wall.

Anichebe gives a classic fingerwag at ref Neil Swarbrick, who agrees with the Sunderland man.

Image source, PA

No changes for either side. Here's a reminder of the two teams for any latecomers...

Hull: Jakupovic, Elmohamady, Ranocchia, Maguire, Robertson, Markovic, N'Diaye, Clucas, Grosicki, Hernandez, Niasse. Subs: Huddlestone, Maloney, Mbokani, Dawson, Henriksen, Marshall, Evandro. 

Sunderland: Pickford, Jones, Kone, O'Shea, Manquillo, Ndong, Denayer, Honeyman, Borini, Defoe, Anichebe. Subs: Mannone, Djilobodji, Larsson, Rodwell, Khazri, Love, Gooch. 

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)

Jermain Defoe has the honour of restarting the action. And that's what he does.