Good morning everyone! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's early kickoff as Hull City host Newcastle United at the KC Stadium. Both sides have suffered poor form of late and will be looking for a much-needed three points this afternoon, so we should be in for an intriguing encounter. It is a fixture that has provided a lot of goals recently, so hopefully we will see more again today. Let's start with a look at our hosts...

Hull have really struggled so far this season having enjoyed a relatively successful campaign last time out, not least in the FA Cup, when they reached the final. Both their league and cup form has failed to live up to 2013-14, though, and Steve Bruce finds himself faced with the very real threat of relegation now. Wins have been hard to come by for the Tigers and, with those around them picking up points on a fairly regular basis, that needs to improve sooner rather than later.

They come into this match sitting 18th in the table, but they do have the chance to put pressure on the teams around them with a positive result today. Anything other than a defeat would see them climb out of the bottom three ahead of the 3pm kickoffs, while a victory by two or more goals would see them rise all the way up to 14th. That would make things look a lot more comfortable for Hull, but it is a very tight battle at the bottom and they would still be a long way from securing their Premier League status even with victory here.

They don't go into the game in great form, however, having lost four of their last five games in all competitions, including their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Arsenal in a repeat of last year's final. That run includes three consecutive defeats in their most recent trio of games, with their last victory coming on New Year's Day when they beat Everton 2-0 at the KC Stadium. Stretching even further back, the Tigers have won just two of their last 16 outings, losing 10 of those.

Goals will be the main worry for Steve Bruce right now. His side have failed to score in any of their three consecutive defeats, or indeed in their fourth loss in the last five games. They have only managed 20 league goals from their 22 matches so far, which is the third lowest tally in the league after Aston Villa and Sunderland. They are boosted by the returns of Jelavic and Hernandez today, though, which should help them in the final third.

The Tigers will wonder quite how they drew a blank in their last match, which ultimately saw them fall to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United. Hull had the better of the first half and Sone Aluko in particular had a few openings that he couldn't make the most of. However, the Hammers hit back in the second 45 minutes and scored three without reply to condemn Hull to a comfortable defeat in the end. That game was all the way back on January 18, so Hull have had 13 days to prepare for this fixture.

They won't exactly be too thrilled to be back on home soil, however, as no side in the Premier League has amassed fewer points in front of their own fans than Hull this season. They have managed just two league victories and nine points at the KC Stadium, although they did beat Everton in their most recent outing here. That victory ended a five-game winless streak and a three-match run without scoring, and they are today bidding for back-to-back clean sheets at home in the league for the first time since April 2014.

Ominously for Hull, they currently occupy exactly the same position as they did at the same stage of the 2009-10 season, when they ended up being relegated. By all accounts, Steve Bruce had an option to jump ship to Newcastle when he was heavily linked with the post following Alan Pardew's departure, but the Geordie chose to stick with the Tigers. His side welcome four of the current bottom six to the KC Stadium between now and May, so they simply must improve their home form if they are to steal a march over their relegation rivals.

After Bruce and a host of other managers seemingly ruled themselves out of being Alan Pardew's successor, the job was handed to John Carver until the end of the season. Carver made no secret of his desire for the post, and that may well have been the deciding factor in the decision by Mike Ashley. Whether Carver remains beyond the end of the current campaign only time will tell, but to stand any chance he must start picking up wins. It is clear the players like him, but that won't be enough unless he starts to get results sooner rather than later.

It is fair to say that Carver was probably not the first choice for the job, particularly given his record during his time as caretaker manager. Newcastle have failed to win any of their four matches since Alan Pardew's departure, losing three and drawing the other. The most three outings have all ended in defeat, although performance-wise there were certainly positives to take from their losses to Chelsea and Southampton.

Stretching even further back to when Pardew was in charge, the Magpies have only won one of their last nine games in all competitions since their fine run of form that saw them fly up the table. They have won only one of their last seven in the league, which came in a 3-2 victory over Everton, and they are still looking for their first victory of 2015. With eight points separating them from the relegation zone it is unlikely that they will get dragged back into danger, but Carver still needs to improve results quickly.

Victory today would see them climb into the top half of the table, and that is probably the most realistic aim for Newcastle this season. If they are to do that, though, they must improve their defensive record. Only Burnley and Queens Park Rangers have conceded more goals than the Magpies' 35 this season. while they have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 outings in all competitions since a 1-0 win over QPR in November. They have also conceded at least two goals in each of their last five league games, so need to find a way to tighten up at the back.

Playing a Hull side who have struggled so much in the final third will help to do that, but Newcastle have also been dreadful on the road recently. They have lost their last five away games in all competitions and are without a win in seven, with six defeats in that time. Like Hull at home, Newcastle have picked up just two wins and nine points on their travels so far, and only the newly-promoted trio have a worse away record.

They have also had a two-week break due to their exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Leicester City, with their last match coming against Southampton on January 17. That was another defeat for the Magpies, although they ran the high-flying Saints close in a 2-1 loss. Elia's debut brace proved to be the difference, although the frustrating thing for Newcastle will be that both of the goals were avoidable.

One area where Newcastle have excelled this season has been their use of the bench. Their subs have scored a league-high eight goals this season, including two in the reverse fixture as Papiss Cisse came on to rescue a point with a late brace. Credit must go to Pardew for that, and Carver will do well to replicate that sort of influence from the sidelines, particularly given his relative lack of experience.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in from both sides, and as I alluded to earlier, the headline is that Jelavic and Hernandez both return earlier than expected for the hosts. Gaston Ramirez and Robertson are also back for the Tigers, who make five changes overall. Newcastle, meanwhile, have Cisse on the bench following his Africa Cup of Nations exploits, while Ameobi and Williamson come into the side. Full teams for both sides on the way...

HULL STARTING XI: McGregor; Elmohamady, Davies, Dawson, Robertson; Huddlestone, Livermore, Meyler; Ramirez, Jelavic, Hernandez

HULL SUBS: Harper, Bruce, McShane, Quinn, Brady, Ince, Aluko

NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: Krul; Janmaat, Williamson, Coloccini, Haidara; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Ameobi

NEWCASTLE SUBS: Alnwick, Santon, Abeid, Obertan, Gouffran, Riviere, Cisse

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, the returns of Hernandez and Jelavic will be welcome news for fans of a Hull City disposition giving their recent troubles in front of goal. They have not exactly been prolific themselves throughout the season, but they do offer more of a threat in the final third than the alternative options like Sone Aluko. The warm-weather break they have enjoyed over the last week or so certainly seems to have helped the attacking duo race back to fitness.

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There is also a return for Gaston Ramirez who, on his day, has the potential to be a match-winner. On paper, Hull's front three certainly looks like a dangerous one and, if Bruce can keep them fit for the remainder of the season, then he will be confident of having enough firepower to keep his side in the division. They will not have all played together too often before, however, so it will be interesting to see how they gel today.

There are no changes in the middle of the park for Hull as Huddlestone, Livermore and Meyler all retain their places in the side. Huddlestone is another player who can been influential on his day but he has struggled to produce his best form on a consistent basis so far this season. Meyler, meanwhile, will remember this fixture vividly as, in the corresponding meeting last season, he was sensationally headbutted by former Newcastle boss Pardew.

At the back, it is expected that Elmohamady will play in a deeper role than his usual wing-back position, although that is unlikely to prevent him from getting forward whenever possible. In him and Robertson, Hull have two good attacking full-backs and should provide width and overlapping runs for the likes of Ramires and Hernandez. That could cause Newcastle problems, particularly if they can provide good service for Jelavic in the middle.

As for Newcastle, they will be happy to have Papiss Cisse back available, even if the quick turnaround from the Africa Cup of Nations means that he only makes the bench. As I mentioned earlier, he scored twice from the bench in the reverse fixture between these two sides, so Hull will be wary of the Senegal striker should he make a cameo appearance. Starting up front is Ayoze Perez once again, and he will be supported by Cabella and Ameobi.

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With Tiote still away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Anita continues to fill in in midfield, and he will be joined by Sissoko and Colback once again. Sissoko is likely to be the one given most license to roam forward and he is often Newcastle's must dangerous player when he gets into the final third. The likes of Huddlestone, Livermore and Meyler will need to keep close tabs on him this afternoon.

There is just one change at the back for Newcastle as Mike Williamson returns in place of Dummett, resurrecting the partnership with Coloccini that provided the base for their fine run of form earlier in the season. On the right, Janmaat will look to get forward when possible and will be hoping that either Ramirez or Hernandez are less interesting in tracking his runs, while Haidara once again slots into the left-back berth.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at the KC Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! Both sides have struggled to keep clean sheets recently and I can see both scoring this afternoon. Hull's poor record and Newcastle's poor away record make this one a tough one to call, but I'm going to go down the middle and predict a 1-1 draw.

That prediction is in agreement with one of our Sports Mole sofa panellists, but the other predicted a victory for one of these sides. Find out who, and what else they had to say about this match, in our video preview below:

Hull actually have an impressive record against Newcastle in recent seasons, losing just one of their last seven meetings in all competitions. They have drawn three and lost three of the remaining six, with their only victory coming here last season. Sissoko netted a brace while Loic Remy and Anita were also on the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory, but the match will forever be remembered for Pardew's headbutt on Meyler that marred the win and stole all of the headlines.

Worryingly for Hull fans, though, none of the last seven meetings between these two sides have ended with the home side emerging victorious. The away team has come out on top four times, while there have been three draws, including the one at St James' Park earlier this season. Hull led 2-0 in that match, but Cisse came off the bench to score in the 73rd and 87th minutes, rescuing a point for his side.

The teams are out and we're just minutes away from kickoff here at the KC Stadium. There has been 19 goals and not a single clean sheet in the last five Premier League meetings between these two sides, so more of the same please!

KICKOFF: Newcastle get us underway here in a big match for both sides. Hull are looking to climb out of the bottom three, while Newcastle are bidding for a first win under John Carver.

SAVE! Any early save for Krul to make, although it was more of an interception from a driven cross. It was Robertson who burst forward from left-back, but his attempted cross swerves too close to the Newcastle keeper.

It has been a positive start to this match from Hull, and that is exactly what they need given their recent troubles in front of goal. Robertson is looking to get forward whenever possible, while the likes of Hernandez and Jelavic are also looking to get on the front foot quickly.

SHOT! A first sight of goal for Newcastle as Sissoko picks the ball up in midfield and drives forward, knocking it past one defender before letting fly from 20 yards. However, he doesn't catch it quite right and it bobbles a couple of yards wide.

Ameobi comes through the back of Meyler to gift Hull a free kick in a dangerous position. Ramirez is standing over this one, which is just about within shooting range...

CHANCE! Ramirez instead opts to float a cross into the box that Dawson meets at the back post. However, the defender just can't stretch his neck enough to steer it goalwards, instead flicking his header wide.

Hull have had 70% of the ball in this match so far, which is a sign of the bright start they have made here. They need to start making the most of these spells in the ascendancy, though.

Newcastle are yet to settle in this game. Aside from that Sissoko chance they have been on the back foot for the majority of the match so far, struggling to get about Hull and break up the hosts' possession.

The visitors have at least managed to stem a bit of the early pressure that Hull were applying in the opening exchanges. It has been a scrappy last few minutes, which probably suits Newcastle best considering how this game has gone so far.

A decent spell of possession for Newcastle inside the Hull half comes to an end when Ameobi is brought down by Huddlestone. However, instead of putting the ball into the box they play it short and the attack eventually fizzles out when Williamson hits one of the tamest shots you will ever see wide of the target.

OFF THE LINE! Hull are so close to taking the lead here! Elmohamady does brilliantly down the right, poking the ball past Ameobi and collecting it on the other side. He stands a fine cross up into the middle that Davies meets with a downward header. However, a mixture of Krul and Coloccini keep it out on the line, while the rebound comes to nothing.

SHOT! Newcastle win a corner at the other end and, after the original delivery comes to nothing, it eventually falls to Janmaat on the edge of the box. He hits it on the turn, but his effort is always going too high.

Both sides are now wrestling for control of this match, but it is Hull who have had the better of things so far. They were so close to taking the lead with Davies's header, and the defender may feel that he should have done better with his effort.

Elmohamady gets away with one here as an attempted crossfield pass is cut out by Cabella. He gives it to Janmaat, but the full-back is ushered out by Robertson and Hull win a goal kick.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the day goes to Meyler, who went into a heavy challenge on Cabella. It was a poor challenge from the Hull man, and he can have no complaints at receiving a caution.

SAVE! Good play from Hernandez as he collects Jelavic's knockdown before flicking it past one man and playing it out to Robertson on the left. The marauding full-back bursts forward again before shooting from 25 yards, but his effort is easy for Krul to collect.

Robertson has probably been Hull's most dangerous player so far. He is so eager to get forward and always provides an option on that left wing for the hosts. His final ball could perhaps have been better so far, but it has been a fairly profitable avenue for Hull so far.

YELLOW CARD! The ball goes out for the first time in a few minutes, and that finally gives Phil Dowd a chance to book Anita, who caught Hernandez as the striker played it out to Robertson.

Good play from Newcastle on the right as they work the ball nicely to create space for a cross. Cabella skips past Robertson before playing a low ball towards the near post, but Dawson is there to make a crucial interception.

Curtis Davies has had the best chance of this match so far when his header was cleared off the line by a mixture of Krul and Coloccini. Here is a picture of the Hull defender battling for the ball with Ayoze Perez:

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There is concern for both Jelavic and Janmaat here following a clash of heads between the pair. The latter appears to have come off worse and will undergo treatment here, but the early signs are that both will be able to continue.

Vital piece of defending from Dawson as he rises to flick a header back to McGregor when Ameobi was lurking dangerously behind him. The Newcastle man had made a really good run in behind the defence and would have been clean through had Dawson not reached that.

The possession has changed quite a bit since that opening 10 minutes and is now more or less even, with Newcastle just edging it 51-49. It has been an even game overall, but still Curtis Davies's chance remains the only real clear opening.

SAVE! A good chance for Newcastle here as Haidara whips a lovely cross into the middle that Perez meets with a decent header. However, the effort is straight at the keeper, who catches it without even having to move.

Cabella has looked increasingly dangerous here, and it is the Frenchman who breaks the deadlock with his first goal for Newcastle! It is a gift from Hull as Robertson gives possession straight to Cabella in a very dangerous area, and the midfielder proceeds to fire an effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

Hull look for an immediate response as Elmohamady whips a fine delivery towards the back post, where Jelavic is waiting. The striker jumps early in an attempt to get above Janmaat, but the full-back does enough to prevent a clean header on goal.

The hosts have responded well to that opening goal, speeding things up when they are in possession and looking for an equaliser before half time. This could be a really damaging result should they fail to get anything from this game.

The fourth official indicates a minimum of two minutes added time at the end of this first half.

YELLOW CARD! Big drama here as Elmohamady looks to have levelled things up for Hull. A free kick is whipped into the box, but instead of nodding it in, Elmohamady punched it past Krul and gets a yellow card. No doubt about that one, it was an attempted 'Hand of God' from the Hull winger.

What a dramatic end to the half that was! Both sides go into the break with Newcastle holding a narrow lead despite Hull creating the better chances in the opening 45 minutes. It has been a fairly even game in overall, but the visitors were clinical when it mattered, while Hull have not been.

It was Remy Cabella who got the only goal of the game so far, his first for Newcastle. He was given a big helping hand by Andy Robertson, however, as the full-back gifted possession away in a very dangerous position. Cabella collected the stray pass before advancing to the edge of the box and firing a swerving shot into the bottom corner.

Arguably the biggest talking point of the half came right at the end, however, as Hull had the ball in the back of the net in the second minute of stoppage time. A free kick arrived into the Newcastle area and Ahmed ElMaradonay proceeded to punch the ball into the net. Phil Dowd didn't appear to see it, but his assistant flagged and correctly disallowed it. Elmohamady even had the cheek to plead his innocence afterwards.

Hull had a fine chance to break the deadlock in the 18th minute when Elmohamady raced down the right flank before standing a good cross up into the middle. Curtis Davies met it but didn't connect with his header as cleanly as he might have liked. Even so, it forced a good save from Krul and still needed Coloccini to block it on the line to prevent the opening goal. The rebound almost fell to Jelavic, but an inadvertent touch from the knee of Williamson prevented the Hull striker from tucking the chance away.

The hosts had another slight chance earlier in the game when Ramirez floated a free kick into the area for Dawson, but the defender couldn't get enough on his header to steer is goalwards, instead glancing it wide. Aside from that, Robertson has looked a threat when going forward on occasions, but defensively he has been found lacking, including for the Newcastle goal.

The visitors, meanwhile, have not created too much in terms of good chances so far. Sissoko fired an early shot wide, but probably their best opening apart from the goal came just minutes before Cabella gave his side the lead. Haidara's whipped cross was met by Perez, but his flicked header was straight at the keeper.

KICKOFF: Hull get us back underway for a crucial second half at the KC Stadium as they look to salvage something from this game. They only need a point to climb out of the relegation zone for a few hours at least, remember.

SHOT! Newcastle almost return the favour to Hull as Colback gives the ball away in a very dangerous position. It falls to Ramirez, but his first-time effort is poor and well off target.

Paul Dummett, who is injured for this match, has been spotted in with the Newcastle fans watching this game! That is great to see from the defender, who should be fit in time for next week.

Newcastle have a second, and it is a stunner from Ameobi! The winger picks the ball up from a good 30 yards out before letting fly with a powerful effort into the bottom corner. McGregor could have done better, reacting slowly and being caught out with his starting position, but it was still a really good strike from Ameobi.

Is there any way back for Hull now? They are heading for a fourth consecutive defeat and need to reply soon if they are to rescue anything from this one. They almost create something here as Ramirez swings a good free kick into the middle that Ameobi pokes wide.

OFF THE LINE! Oh my word, Coloccini has almost scored one of the more bizarre own goals of all time! The visitors struggle to deal with a corner, but the Newcastle skipper has a chance to volley the ball clear from the byline. However, he horribly slices his attempted clearance and it is spinning in before Anita gets back to nod it off the line. That would have been incredible.

Newcastle just need to keep control of this game for the next five or 10 minutes, taking any sting out of a potential Hull revival. They certainly can't afford any mistakes like the one Coloccini almost made there.

HULL SUB: Steve Bruce makes a change as he continues to chase this game, and it is an attacking switch. Sone Aluko comes on for Meyler.

Better from Hull as Robertson races down the left flank before cutting the ball back to Hernandez. The striker tries to go for goal from a tight angle, but the ball takes a deflection and flies across the area and to safety.

SAVE! Bright play from Perez as he races to the near post and flicks a cross towards goal having nipped in front of the defender. McGregor reacts to paw it behind for a corner, though.

The snow has been steadily getting heavier throughout this match, and the conditions are not easy for either side right now. It is a far cry from the warm-weather training camps they have both been on recently!

A nice, fluid counter-attack from Newcastle releases Sissoko down the right channel, but the midfielder goes for an early pass that is behind Ayoze Perez. He may have been better served taking another touch and going for goal himself then.

CHANCE! How has this one stayed out?! Hull really should have a goal back, but something Jelavic can't bundle it home from a couple of yards out! Robertson played the ball in for Ramirez, who raced through and tried to place an effort into the bottom corner. Krul makes a good save, and the ball arrives too quickly to Jelavic for the striker to react and tap it home from close range. So unlucky for the hosts!

YELLOW CARD! A yellow card is added to Robertson's eventful game shortly after his role in that glorious chance for the hosts.

HULL SUB: Hernandez hasn't had much joy this afternoon and he makes way here to be replaced by Tom Ince, who has been heavily linked with a loan move away from the club this month.

Almost a chance for Hull as Livermore is off balance when trying to squeeze a pass out to Aluko, who is in space inside the box. There is just too much on the pass and that forces Aluko out wide as the opening goes begging.

Hull are seeing the lion's share of the ball now, boasting 71% possessio in the last five minutes, but there is a sense that Newcastle are fairly content to let them have it in areas that pose no threat to their two-goal lead. The visitors are looking quite comfortable right now.

SAVE! Aluko looks to provide inspiration for his side, letting fly with a dipping effort from 25 yards. It bounces just in front of Krul, but he holds on to it well.

HULL SUB: A final throw of the dice from Steve Bruce as he makes his third change, replacing Robertson with Robbie Brady.

NEWCASTLE SUB: The visitors also make a change as Yoann Gouffran replaces Cabella, who has had a good game today.

Newcastle are getting the 'Ole!' treatment from their fans at the moment as they knock the ball about well. Time is beginning to run out for Hull, although they will know that Newcastle scored at around this time to spark a two-goal comeback in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Despite their two-goal deficit, Hull are not piling anywhere near enough pressure on Newcastle right now. The visitors are looking comfortable at the moment and it is hard to see them throwing it away from this position.

That is surely game over now! Newcastle make it 3-0 and are on course for a first win under John Carver and a first win of 2015. Hull give the ball away in midfield, but there is still a lot for Gouffran to do. He weaves past a number of defenders all too easily before seeing his shot from the edge of the box deflect up and over McGregor.

What a miserable day this is turning out to be for Steve Bruce and Hull. Their poor home record will continue here and it looks like being a fourth consecutive match without even scoring. They are in real trouble right now.

NEWCASTLE SUB: Perez has given everything for the cause today and he gets a rest with eight minutes remaining as Papiss Cisse replaces him.

SAVE! The hosts looks for a consolation goal as Aluko meets a free kick with a glancing header, but it is straight at Krul.

CLOSE! Very nearly a goal back for the hosts! Brady swings a corner in to Ramirez, whose header deflects off Coloccini and ends up inches past the post.

SAVE! The resulting corner goes all the way through to Elmohamady and his low effort is almost spilled by Krul in a crowded penalty area, but he just about holds on to it.

Huddlestone lines up a free kick from a good 35 yards out, but puts nowhere near enough power on his effort. It was a swerving strike, but it bounced a few yards in front of Krul, which made it comfortable for the keeper.

YELLOW CARD! Livermore goes into the book for his intent when going into a challenge which, quite frankly, is a ludicrous decision. He did dive in a little but he got 100% of the ball and none of the player. It was a fine challenge and how it was even a free kick, yet alone a card, is beyond me.

There will be two minutes of added time until Hull are put out of their misery here.

NEWCASTLE SUB: A late change from Newcastle as Mehdi Abeid comes on for Ameobi to make the shortest of cameos.

Boos ring around the KC Stadium as the referee blows his whistle for the final time today, with Newcastle having climbed into the top half with a 3-0 victory over Hull. Remy Cabella gave the visitors the lead before Sammy Ameobi and Yoann Gouffran added goals in the second half to clinch a comfortable win for the Magpies.

Right, that is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's early kickoff as Newcastle get their first win under John Carver at the expense of Hull. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. Our coverage of all the 3pm games is already underway, so make sure you check them out too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!