BBC local radio

Although, for rights reasons, we cannot bring you radio coverage of tonight's games, you can still listen to Portsmouth commentary with BBC Radio Solent - subject to being in the transmission area.

The same will apply later, with BBC Radio Lancashire's Preston North End coverage, and the corresponding Bristol City broadcast on BBC Radio Bristol.

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Tonight's game will definitely decide who spends Christmas at the top of the tree, after nearest challengers Peterborough were forced to call off their next three games around coronavirus protocols.

Kenny Jackett led Portsmouth to the play-off semi-finals last season and has steered them on course for another promotion challenge this term, but is wary of the threat of their fellow chasers - notably tonight's opponents who have adjusted well following relegation.

"They have a lot of good players who have lots of Championship experience," Jackett told BBC Radio Solent.

"They've retained a lot of good players and looking at the experience of it, it's no surprise they're near the top."

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One player Hull will miss tonight is midfielder George Honeyman, who has played a key role in establishing the Tigers among the League One challengers.

The 26-year-old has two goals in 20 games for Grant McCann's side but most importantly seven assists, a tireless worker in the midfield engine room.

"He's been phenomenal, he's galvanised everyone around here with his attitude and his energy, his appetite and will to win," McCann told BBC Radio Humberside.

"He's been the heartbeat for us really, his performances have been of a really high standard, every game he's played."

Image source, Rex Features

Hull have been warming up with T-shirts showing support for legendary player Chris Chilton, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimers.

The 77-year-old is the Tigers' all-time top scorer, and played more than 400 league games over 11 seasons before moving to Coventry City.

He then returned to the club to take on a number of coaching duties, with Hull always close to his heart.

Two changes for Grant McCann and Hull City, with the two Joshs, Emmanuel and Magennis, being added to the starting XI. There is no George Honeyman yet, for the Tigers.

Kenny Jackett keeps the changes to a minimum for Portsmouth, as the visitors replace Jack Whatmough with Rasmus Nicolaisen.

Hull City: Ingram, Emmanuel, Greaves, Burke, Elder, Slater, Smallwood, Docherty, Wilks, Magennis, Scott.

Subs: Long, Coyle, Batty, Eaves, Adelakun, McLoughlin, Lewis-Potter

Portsmouth: MacGillivray, Johnson, Nicolaisen, Raggett, Pring, Williams, Naylor, Cannon, Curtis, Harness, Marquis

Subs: Bass, Watmough, Mnoga, Close, Jacobs, Harrison, Hiwula

Welcome then to the double-bubble of an EFL League One and Championship super-bill.

I promise there will be no more Christmas rhymes, honest.

We're here for the long run.

Settle in.

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When we've unwrapped that encounter, never fear, we're not done. There's another game at 8 o'clock, to be enjoyed with us at the BBC.

We'll dip into the Championship, where Preston North End welcome a play-off challenger to Deepdale, in the shape of Bristol City.

Alex Neil's Lillywhites have struggled for form on their turf, six defeats like finding coal in the stocking. Home victory against Middlesbrough was a welcome upturn, though two away defeats followed to leave North End rocking.

The Robins have been mixed, like the contents of a Christmas tub of sweets, sometimes hazel and caramel, sometimes orange or coffee. They're only two points off the top six though all being said, so promotion is still very much in the offing.

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First of the treats sees a meeting of two seaside cities, placed at the top of the League One tree.

But with points as the prize, and a tight battle at the summit, there won't be much Christmas bonhomie.

Hull City in November were tight-fisted and miserly - you could say a bit like old 'Scrooge'. But as December came, the Tigers found a more generous spirit, and now they've lost their past two.

Portsmouth, their opponents, are good on the road, only Sunderland have a better record. Just two defeats in their past 12 league games in total, only three of those games they've not scored.

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It was just a week before Christmas, and a festive quartet were ready to put on a show.

There were no fans in the ground alas, but the bright floodlights were aglow.

Like yonder star, drawing players to their light.

For the wonderment of football, on a chilly Friday night.