Hull City v Brighton: Home rule essential for Hull to stay clear of pack

But, as Hull City tonight prepare to play on home soil for the first time in a month, it is difficult to believe Steve Bruce and his players could be any more enamoured with the Kingston Communications Stadium than they were after banging six goals past Charlton Athletic on that last outing in the East Riding.

Certainly, a 35-point haul on their own patch represents the joint best in the Championship this term.

Only Brighton & Hove Albion, tonight’s visitors, can match that tally but Chris Hughton’s men have played two more games at the Amex.

This dominance at the KC is why the Tigers having nine of the club’s remaining 16 games in front of their own fans is seen as such a boon in the quest for an instant Premier League return, as Bruce readily admits.

“We hope our home form stays rock solid,” said the City manager ahead of hosting the Seagulls in a fixture rearranged from January 30.

“It has been an excellent record so far, we have been quite exceptional.

“We are playing with a lot of confidence at home. A lot of teams have come here and changed (formation) but we have managed to overcome them.

“Even towards the end of last season in the Premier League, we did okay at home. It is always important to have a strong home record, let’s hope we can maintain it.”

Tonight, the Tigers host in-form Brighton knowing victory will be enough to open a six-point advantage on third-placed Burnley.

The stakes are high, not least because the visit of the Seagulls represents City’s game in hand over not only Sean Dyche’s Clarets but also Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City and Ipswich Town of the chasing pack.

City will certainly approach the re-run of last month’s FA Cup third round meeting between the two clubs – won through a penalty from Robert Snodgrass – with confidence.

Not only have Bruce’s men taken 24 points from their last nine home games in the Championship but seven of those have seen the opposition shut out.

Last Saturday’s victory at Blackburn Rovers was also the club’s fifth in six league outings in 2016. Brighton, though, will arrive in similarly good form after taking 12 points from their last four games.

“We know what a big opportunity it is to put a bit of daylight between us and those teams in the play-offs,” said Bruce.

“Let’s enjoy the pressure of this. Pressure is when you can’t pay your bills at the end of the month.

“This should be enjoyable. It is a football match when we are top of the league. Let’s enjoy that.

“I am sure the supporters went home happy from Blackburn and that is what it is all about. Let’s hope we can make them happy again.

“It won’t be easy, though. Brighton have done very well since they were here in the FA Cup. They have brought in some freshness and they have been on a good run. They had a wobble around Christmas but it looks as though they are back on the right track.

“It should be a cracking game tonight, a mouth-watering game. We know what a big opportunity it will be to put a bit of daylight between us and those teams in the play-offs.”

Tom Huddlestone is set to retain his place in midfield after being a surprise selection for the win at Ewood Park.

The former England play-maker had not started a league game since the 2-1 defeat at Leeds on December 5 with, first, David Meyler and then Isaac Hayden being preferred by Bruce alongside Jake Livermore.

Explaining the decision to replace Hayden with Huddlestone on Saturday, Bruce said: “The way Blackburn play, with a midfield diamond, they leave themselves exposed in wide areas.

“I thought if my midfield players could get the ball out quickly to the wide areas, we could hurt them. Let’s be fair, that’s our strength.

“Of course, he has been disappointed (not to be playing) but he has always gone about it in the right way.

“I am sure he will have been scratching his head at times wondering what he has done wrong. He hadn’t done anything wrong, if I am honest. But I gave him a break and the team won. Then the team kept winning and the players took his place did really well.

“That is what football is about, especially when it is a squad game. Even someone as talented as Tom Huddlestone has needed to be patient but I have to say his behaviour has been exemplary.”

Last six games: Hull City WWWWLW, Brighton & Hove Albion LLWWWW.

Referee: A Madley (West Yorkshire).

Last time: Hull City 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 0; January 9, 2016; FA Cup.