Hull won 2-1 at Stoke just a month ago
Stoke have failed to score in their last three away matches
Recommended bet: Hull to win to nil
Hull were among the favourites for relegation from the Championship at the start of the season but a fantastic run of form has catapulted the Tigers into the play-off picture and there could be more to come from Sergej Jakirovic's side who host a struggling Stoke side at the MKM Stadium on Thursday.
The Potters have slipped out of the promotion picture following a recent slump and they may struggle to get back on track at their in-form hosts.
The latest Hull vs Stoke odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Ryan Giles was forced off in Hull's win over Middlesbrough on Monday with a hamstring injury and looks set to join Mohamed Belloumi on the sidelines.
Amir Hadziahmetovic, Liam Millar and Oli McBurnie are likely to earn recalls after starting the Riverside victory on the bench.
Ben Pearson will be suspended for Stoke following his red card in Monday's loss to Sheffield United.
Aaron Cresswell, Lewis Baker and Eric Bocat missed the Blades’ defeat due to injury and are again unlikely to feature, while Junior Tchamadeu remains at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
The stats
Stoke have failed to score in their last three away matches.
Hull have won five of their last seven league games.
The Tigers have kept clean sheets in three of their last five outings.
The Potters have lost seven of their last 10 league fixtures.
The latest Hull vs Stoke odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Hull boss Jakirovic hailed an “almost perfect” defensive performance from his side who secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at second-placed Middlesbrough on Monday and that defensive solidity can help the Tigers claw out another crucial three points when they host Stoke.
The East Yorkshire outfit have been hit hard by injuries and illness but there is a buzz around the camp with the team sitting fourth in the Championship standings, following a run of five wins from their last seven league matches.
That sequence started with a 2-1 win at Stoke and Hull can repeat the trick with another victory over the Potters this week.
Hull began the campaign as one of the favourites to go down following a season of struggle last term, but they suddenly find themselves in the play-off picture and they can strengthen their top-six claims against a Stoke side who are sliding in the opposite direction.
Monday's 2-1 home defeat to Sheffield United was the Potters' seventh loss in their last 10 outings and Mark Robins' men have struggled to find any kind of response to their poor form and they start this round of fixtures down in 10th spot.
A response is quickly needed but they have failed to score in their last three away matches and although they have a good recent record at Hull, another defeat looks likely with the home side fancied to keep a clean sheet in victory.
