Hull City v Leeds United: Tigers are aiming for thumping revenge in derby

The Tigers crashed to a 4-1 loss in August against their big rivals, the only time this campaign that they have conceded more than two goals in a game.

City are desperate to make amends tonight when Leeds make the trip along the M62 for a game that is vital to both clubs’ play-off aspirations.

Ten-goal top scorer Fryatt, who rescued a point for Hull against promotion rivals Blackpool on Friday night, said: “Leeds is a massive game with it being a derby.

“There is also that bit of rivalry between the teams. Leeds have a new manager and the atmosphere is usually great against Leeds. We also owe them one after the debacle at Elland Road earlier in the season.

“It was a hugely disappointing night and I am sure the fans remember that as much as the players do. We were on the wrong end of a thumping.”

The heavy manner of August’s loss at Leeds came as a big jolt to the system for City, whose form since has only added to the mystery of just why they imploded so badly at Elland Road.

That four-goal drubbing has proved to be the exception to the defensive rule this term with the Tigers’ other 31 games having seen the club let in just 22.

It means the Tigers have the best defensive record in the Championship and the highest number of clean sheets with 15.

That record is, however, likely to be tested tonight as Leeds arrive boasting one of the best scoring records in the division.

Fryatt added: “That night at Leeds was so out of character for us. The defence has been excellent all season so it was a one-off.

“Hopefully, we can get not so much revenge but a win to get us up the table.

“I am not sure what sort of game it will be. But they do score a lot of goals and also concede a few so it could be open.”

The Tigers go into tonight’s derby sitting ninth, three points ahead of Leeds and three points behind Birmingham City in the final play-off place.

Nick Barmby’s men had an off day on Friday at Blackpool but will still go into tonight’s derby in buoyant mood after rescuing a point courtesy of Fryatt’s late strike.

The Tigers’ top scorer said: “It was a good point on Friday. Blackpool is a hard place to go to and we didn’t play particularly well. But a draw sets us up nicely for Leeds, even though we didn’t play too well.

“We needed to get something and remain undefeated. Blackpool play some good stuff so it was a good point but now we need to build on it.”

Hull have taken five points from their last three home games, goalless draws with Doncaster Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion sandwiching a 3-0 hammering of Bristol City.

Before that trio of fixtures, City had taken 12 points from their previous five outings at the KC Stadium – an impressive record considering the condition of the pitch, which is in a far from ideal state for a team who pass the ball as freely as Barmby’s.

Vito Mannone has played in the last four of those home games after joining on loan from Arsenal and the Italian is yet to concede a goal at the KC.

Despite that, the City goalkeeper admits the pitch – which hosted Hull FC’s Super League win over Wakefield Trinity on Sunday – is not doing the team any favours.

Mannone said: “The pitch does not help. It can be a worry, especially for goalkeepers. Any back passes or balls bouncing in front of you can be difficult to handle.

“Against Brighton (in City’s last home game), there were a couple of shots where I had to concentrate 200 per cent. You don’t want to miss the ball, even on the back passes.

“It is good to also get in the mind of the strikers. When they get a ball through, they have to control it before shooting. I have this in my mind when deciding whether to rush from my line or not.

“They have to control it three times instead of turning and shooting. It makes things difficult for us but we are still playing great football.”

Mannone, who had a lengthy spell on loan at the KC Stadium last season, added: “The Leeds game is very important because it is the derby. I didn’t play last year due to being out injured. But I was sitting in the stand and the atmosphere made me really want to be out there.”

Last six games: Hull City LDWDDD, Leeds United WLLWDL.

Last time: Hull City 2 Leeds United 2; February , 2012; Championship.

Referee: S Attwell (Warwockshire).