SkyBet: Rampant Tevez threatens but Tigers can still point the way

The Tigers caused plenty of problems for the league leaders,

particularly from set pieces, and that is an area where they can expect to have some joy today.

Roberto Mancini has tightened Manchester City's defence but they have struggled to defend corners and crosses all season and they will be without Vincent Kompany and Micah Richards at the KC Stadium.

It is not difficult to imagine Hull scoring, their problem will be how to contain Carlos Tevez, who has scored 14 goals in his last 13 games. I think Hull can do enough once more to earn a draw, but the price of 5-6 about both teams scoring represents genuine value.

Barnsley and Watford enjoyed excellent victories in midweek and they are separated by a single point in mid-table. Their meeting at Oakwell is a tough one to predict, but the Tykes must look out for on-loan Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley, who scored his 10th goal of the season on Tuesday – he should not be as big as 11-2 to score in 90 minutes.

Sheffield Wednesday have won four of their last five matches, but they are up against it at the City Ground, where Nottingham Forest have won their last six league games, scoring 21 goals in the process.

Billy Davies's side are wounded after losing to local rivals Derby but will be heavily backed to get back on track today.

Derby are the visitors to Sheffield United, who have suffered damaging back-to-back away defeats. The Blades are going well at home, though, and should win this one.

It is now three straight defeats for Doncaster, who tackle an improving Reading at the Keepmoat.

Rovers are tough to beat at home, but Reading's best results have come on their travels and they will be a danger.

Leeds have clearly been distracted by their FA Cup run, but, having been put in their place by unstoppable Jermain Defoe, they must refocus on the league.

Hosts Hartlepool have gone five without a win, a run which started with a 5-0 home thrashing from MK Dons, and Leeds can take advantage of the downturn in their fortunes.

The main threat to Huddersfield's unbeaten home record comes from former Leeds defender Ian Harte, who scored his 11th goal of the season for Carlisle at Colchester on Tuesday. There are usually plenty of goals wherever Carlisle play – 12 in their last three games – so back 'Over 2.5 Goals' at 4-5.

Bradford won at Torquay last weekend, but I fancy Bury to beat them at Valley Parade today. The Lancashire club are in the automatic promotion places after four successive wins.

Rotherham should win at Darlington, but then they should have beaten them last month at Don Valley, only to lose 2-1. This is a game to avoid.

Best bets

n Hull v Manchester City – Draw, both teams to score.

n Barnsley v Watford – Tom Cleverley to score.

n Nottingham Forest to beat Sheffield Wednesday.

n Sheffield United to beat Derby County.

n Doncaster Rovers to draw with Reading.

n Leeds to beat Hartlepool.

n Huddersfield v Carlisle – Over 2.5 goals.

n Bury to beat Bradford.