Leeds United v Hull City: Leeds 'owe it to fans' to increase Hull's problems

The Tigers have endured a difficult return to the Championship with a points haul of 14 from the opening 15 games meaning the club are only sitting outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

So concerning has been Hull's form that manager Nigel Pearson admitted after the weekend defeat to Scunthorpe United that his side are embroiled in a fight for survival in the second tier.

It represents a major fall from grace for the Tigers, who continue to be the subject of an attempt by local millionaires Assem and Ehab Allan to buy a controlling stake from current owner Russell Bartlett.

The United manager said: "Hull had a fine time in the Premier League. They have had a few financial problems since then and the results have not been going for them. But they have players who have been at the very top level.

"Just because they have not had the results lately does not mean it will be an easy game for us.

"I look at their squad on paper and there are some good players there. I also look at the personnel who have played recently and they have experience in (Kevin) Kilbane, (Nick) Barmby and (Andy) Dawson. They also have others who have played international football.

"They are going through a sticky patch at the moment but, again, they only need a result or two to get the confidence back. We have to make sure we give them no

encouragement.

"Nigel has a fantastic track record. He has changed their shape in the last two games so we are not 100 per cent which way they will go. But we know a side managed by Nigel is going to be organised and a threat in certain areas of the pitch."

On the off-field uncertainty surrounding Hull's future ownership, Grayson added: "If there is any uncertainty within the Hull camp then we will try and prey on that in terms of the football pitch.

"But I don't think players are too interested in what happens off the field.

"They are not always too aware of the speculation surrounding their club. All they do is concentrate on their professional pride and getting a result."

For Leeds, tonight represents a chance to end a three-game losing run in front of their own fans after Preston North End, Leicester City and Cardiff City all left Elland Road with three points.

Such a poor run is in stark contrast to their fortunes away from home with United having claimed consecutive victories at Middlesbrough, Scunthorpe United and Coventry City.

If Hull triumph tonight, it will be the first time Leeds have lost four on the bounce at home since 2002 when a side managed by Terry

Venables were beaten on home soil by Arsenal, Liverpool,

Everton, Bolton and Charlton.

Grayson admits his players owe the Elland Road faithful a win

tonight.

He said: "I can't tell you why there has been such a difference in terms of our results at home compared to away. Maybe it is just what the division is like.

"Elland Road is a fantastic place to play when things are going well. The players have to look at enjoying the opportunity of being at home. The fans have been magnificent, not getting on the players' backs after we have lost.

"At other clubs, that does happen. Hopefully, against Hull we can get back to winning ways on a Tuesday night.

"When you take 6,500 to Coventry to give them their biggest ever crowd (at the Ricoh Arena) it is testament to our fans. It is an expensive business to watch football.

"The majority of our fans are at home so it is important we get back to winning ways in front of them. They deserve that.

"I have not mentioned it (the home record) to the players. They know what it is like to win games here and just have to believe in themselves. If we beat Hull, people forget about it.

"When I first came to the club (at Christmas 2008), we had a poor home record. We turned that round and went on a fantastic run of results, equalling a club record of wins. We have had a couple of bad results lately but now it is time to put this to bed."

Hull, meanwhile, will make the trip along the M62 in determined mood.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare said: "We have had a frank chat with the players and had a team meeting where we outlined what we expect from the players at Leeds.

"There has been an exchange of views but hopefully the determination in Nigel has transferred itself to the players and we can go and get that result that we crave.

"We have to make sure that our actions speak louder than the words now.

"Leeds have looked vulnerable at times at home this season and we have said to the players what a place it would be to go and get a result.

"You look for defining moments in your season and this could definitely be one."