Cardiff City and Hull City square off in the Championship on Saturday afternoon with both clubs aware that only a win will do if they are to retain any playoff ambitions.
As it stands, the 10th and 11th placed sides in the standings are at least six points adrift of sixth spot, although Hull do possess a game in hand.
Match preview
© Reuters
Given the star quality that Hull brought into the club in January, there was an expectation that they would ultimately do enough to hold onto a playoff spot.
Instead, Liam Rosenior's side have put together a six-game winless streak, with that initially featuring four consecutive draws before two defeats over the Easter period.
Losing 2-0 at home to Stoke City was a particular blow for the Tigers, before they let slip a level position at Leeds United in losing 3-1 during the closing stages.
Hull are now all the way down in 10th place, and it is their game in hand that provides them with a realistic chance of getting back into the mix.
Nevertheless, a further defeat at Cardiff may leave Rosenior's side with too much to do, and sitting behind their next opponents in the table.
Cardiff fans will have mixed opinions over their season, with a top-half finish previously unforeseen until they showed the quality required to compete for promotion.
However, on six occasions this season, the Bluebirds have suffered back-to-back defeats, making it all the more impressive that they sit in 11th spot.
Three wins on the trot came before the recent losses to Swansea City and Sunderland without scoring a goal, heaping the pressure on Erol Bulut's side to deliver maximum points at Cardiff City.
Although it took two own goals from Coventry defender Liam Kitching, Cardiff came through with a 2-1 triumph, keeping them within eight points of sixth place.
Team News
© Reuters
Bulut may be prepared to select the same Cardiff XI that battled their way to victory at Coventry.
That would see Aaron Ramsey remain among the replacements, despite two substitute outings over Easter, but Rubin Colwill could return to the squad after injury.
Lewie Coyle and Ryan Giles are both doubts for Hull after picking up issues during the second half against Leeds.
Cyrus Christie and Matty Jacob are on standby to deputise, as is Jacob Greaves who is free to return after suspension.
Anass Zaroury could also feature in a creative role, replacing either Abdulkadir Omur or Ozan Tufan.
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Horvath; Ng, Phillips, Goutas, Collins; Bowler, Siopis, Ralls, Grant; Turnbull, Meite
Hull City possible starting lineup:
Allsop; Slater, Jones, Greaves, Jacob; Zaroury, Morton, Seri, Philogene; Carvalho, Tufan
We say: Cardiff City 1-1 Hull City
Cardiff's victory at Coventry has provided them with fresh impetus and they will fancy their chances over an under-performing Hull outfit. However, with the stakes high, do not be surprised to see a low-scoring draw play out in South Wales.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
