Hull City v Fulham: Dowie calls on Hull heroes to step forward for battle

Just six points separated Sunderland in 13th place from second-bottom Burnley and it seemed the fight for survival was going to be one of the most gripping in years.

Since then, however, Hull's position has worsened dramatically with back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Pompey combined with many of their rivals enjoying an upturn in fortune, meaning time is starting to run out at the KC Stadium.

Only West Ham United, who boast a far superior goal difference, are within touching distance of the Tigers going into Iain Dowie's first home game as manager today when Fulham are the visitors.

The new City chief has been busy this week, looking to repair the damage of Saturday's trip to Portsmouth when a 2-1 lead with just two minutes remaining was dramatically turned into a demoralising defeat.

And Dowie, happy with what he has seen on the training pitch, now believes his players are ready to kickstart the push for survival.

He said: "It has been my job this week to reinforce the message to keep positive. No-one wants the manager to be downbeat and glum.

"There were lots of positives in the display last week. For 87 minutes, Boaz Myhill hardly had a save to make and we really were quite comfortable at 2-1.

"Unfortunately, Portsmouth came up with a pearler and then there was a moment of madness. But you can't stop believing. Sometimes you hit a low and that is when you get a response. I feel like the (Fulham) game can't come quick enough.

"We have got to play with fire in our bellies but with ice in the heads. We can't be too uptight and we have to play. I don't want us pumping balls up in hope, that is not what we are about."

Hull go into the meeting with Fulham, whom they beat on the opening day of last season, on the back of five straight defeats.

A sixth reverse today would equal the club's worst run since being promoted to the top flight, set over Christmas and New Year last term.

Dowie has several injury worries with top scorer Stephen Hunt still struggling with a foot problem, while the left flank could be further depleted by stand-in captain Andy Dawson's hamstring strain.

It means a possible reshuffle for the Tigers manager, who is hoping the home fans can match the vocal support of those that travelled to Fratton Park last Saturday.

He said: "Anyone that has been to this ground in the Premier League will know what the fans bring. They are a passionate and vociferous group of fans, and I expect exactly that against Fulham. They care about the club and they know what it is all about to be in the Premier League. Their response will be fantastic, I am sure. But it is up to us to give them a performance that reflects the fans' passion.

"The fans that went to Portsmouth saw a positive response and they were magnificent and supported me very well."

Should City lose again today, it will add further fuel to the criticism that has come the club's way since Phil Brown was sacked.

The timing, in particular, has been questioned in some circles, the latest attack coming from former Sun editor Kelvin MacKenzie in his weekly column for the tabloid.

Dowie, however, insists on not being bothered by the flack – and believes the criticism from outside could actually work in his players' favour by easing the pressure ahead of such an important encounter.

He said: "People can write what they like about me. It is not about me, it is about the players and what they do. I am a positive person and I have got big enough shoulders to take it.

"I am happy to take all that pressure off the players, it is up to me and my staff to shield it and let the players go out there and perform. Football is a game of enjoyment, people forget that sometimes. Of course, it is difficult under this pressure but let us hope we send 25,000 Hull folk home happy (tonight).

"If we can get a result I am sure the momentum will build."

As for making his home bow in the dugout today, the former Coventry City and Crystal Palace manager is keen to stress his main concern will be claiming all three points.

He said: "I will have butterflies in my stomach, that is the nature of the game.

"But when there is so much at stake, that is when heroes can step forward. We want to have 11 of those against Fulham."

Hull City v Fulham

Team news: Stephen Hunt remains a doubt with the foot injury that has ruled the Republic of Ireland international out for the last three games. Andy Dawson, captain for Iain Dowie's bow as City manager last weekend, is also struggling with a hamstring strain, though George Boateng is back after serving a one-game ban.

Last six games: Hull City WLLLLL, Fulham DLLWLL.

Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).

Last time: Hull City 2 Fulham 1; August 16, 2008; Premier League.

SkyBet odds: Hull to win 6-4; Fulham to win 7-4; Draw 12-5.