Middlesbrough v Hull City - '˜Our fate is still in our hands', insists Tigers chief Steve Bruce

The Tigers have stumbled in recent weeks with Tuesday night’s draw at home to Nottingham Forest meaning Bruce’s men have taken 10 points from an eight-game run that has yielded just five goals.

Boro are locked in an equally sorry cycle of results with their last 11 outings having brought three wins and five defeats. An alleged bust-up between head coach Aitor Karanka and the dressing room also saw the Spaniard go AWOL last weekend before returning to take the reins on Monday evening.

These travails for the White Rose duo have allowed Brighton & Hove Albion to sneak into second place and Burnley to open up what looks more and more like an unassailable lead at the top.

Bruce, however, is adamant that not only can Sean Dyche’s Clarets be caught, but that his side can regain control of their own destiny tonight with victory at the Riverside.

“The pressure is about to take its toll on everyone,” said the Tigers’ chief ahead of a fixture that is expected to attract a bumper crowd to Teesside. “That is the nature of playing at the top end of the Championship.

“There will be a big crowd and it is live on the telly. It is a big, big game. But we have got experienced players who are paid a lot of money and that is why they are paid a lot – to handle the pressure.

“Middlesbrough have got them and so have we. It is a big game for both clubs so let’s relish the challenge and see if we can give ourselves a big lift by winning there and getting back in the top two.

“It is in our hands. There is still a quarter of the season to go – and that is a lot of football. Psychologically, a win would be big for everyone. So, we look forward to it.”

Jake Livermore returns to the squad after sitting out the home draws against Forest and MK Dons with a knee injury.

His absence has been keenly felt, the Tigers’ midfield having lacked the energy and tempo that the former Spurs man brings to proceedings.

It also led to Sam Clucas switching to central midfield, a position that has not suited him and left Hull lacking the cohesion that has characterised their play down the left flank, where the summer signing has linked up impressively with Andrew Robertson.

Robert Snodgrass, a surprise inclusion against Forest after missing the previous two games through injury, was a rare bright spot on Tuesday, along with Mohamed Diame, and Bruce is expected to stick with the pair as he tries to kick-start the Tigers’ bid for an instant return to the elite.

“We can’t let Burnley just run away with it,” replied the Hull chief when asked if top spot was now out of reach. “We have got to hang on to their coat-tails. They have had an exceptionally good run at the right time.

“I am sure Sean Dyche will be thinking, ‘Can I keep the run going until the end of the season?’ Burnley did that two or three years ago, they went on a run and never looked back. They romped the league.

“It is up to all of us who are playing catch-up to make sure that doesn’t happen. Let’s hope we can.”

If Hull’s preparations for the fixture have been underwhelming, they have been positively serene compared to those of their hosts.

Karanka’s absence from the away dugout at Charlton Athletic last Sunday lifted the lid on what has clearly been a traumatic episode for the club.

The travelling fans at The Valley made it clear how desperate they were to see the Spaniard return and it will be fascinating to see tonight if the events of the past week can galvanise Boro.

Curtis Davies, though, is hoping the unrest can work in Hull’s favour.

“He (Karanka) comes across as a calm and collected man,” said Davies, who signed a new two-year contract at the KC Stadium earlier this week. “I have never seen him lose his rag so to hear he walked out was surprising.

“The way football works, there are going to be players who like him and players who don’t.

“If they are going out as a bunch of individuals that will help us. But it works both ways. The return of the manager could give them a lift.”

Karanka, for his part, is understandably keen to draw a line under the saga by insisting that if Boro are to achieve their goals this term then the management and players must work together.

“The best example of that was the (Charlton) game,” added the Spaniard.

“The past is past. It is true it was a different situation but, again, the main thing is Middlesbrough Football Club and the team and the aim to get promotion this year.”

Hull could face Gaston Ramirez, who had an injury-laden spell at the KC in the Premier League.

Bruce, who is without David Meyler through illness, added: “Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep him fit. He always seemed to nick a hamstring or a calf.”

Last six games: Middlesbrough WWLWLL, Hull City WDLLDD.

Referee: A Marriner (West Midlands).

Last time: Middlesbrough 0 Hull City 2; January 4, 2014, FA Cup.