The Festive Fixtures

The Christmas period is always busy for football fans, and for Hull City it will be no different as the Tigers face four games in an eight day period, which will go a long way to determining the future this season will have.

Will we push towards safety or be dragged back towards the relegation battle. These four games are crucial.

The Tigers start off on Boxing Day with an away trip to Crewe Alexandra. Currently in 23rd position in the league and six points behind the Tigers, a defeat would be a disaster. We need to keep a gap between ourselves and the fellow battlers, meaning a draw is the worst possible result we must be leaving Gresty Road with. We must go there to win, and put the disappointment of Brighton behind us. We must push on and it has to start here – and I am confident of that happening.

My prediction for Crewe is three points to the Tigers.

The Tigers have a two day break before returning to the KC on the 28th December at 7.45 to face Ipswich Town. Ipswich have performed below expectations but were always going to struggle after losing players with the class of Darren Bent and Shefki Kuqi. A tricky game but again one the Tigers should be looking to come out victorious in.

Here’s for another hopeful three points – and if we can, we go to the next game full of confidence.

Of course, as all Tigers fans will know the next fixture is against Leeds United on New Years Eve, K.O 12.00

If we can get good results going into this game, confidence will be up. However, in a game like this, form goes out the window as pride is at stake. This game will either be great or awful. Lets hope it is like Hillsbrough last season, and we can leave Elland Road with a historic victory. Leeds have been flying high this season, and have been regularly in the play-offs position. This will be difficult, and I hope we can leave with a draw. That would make me enjoy my New Year anyway !!

Next comes another difficult game against serious promotion contenders Sheffield United at the KC on the 3rd January at 7.45

For once, Sheffield United have started positively and not yet blown their season. Although they had a brief slip a few weeks back when Reading overtook them, they have now started winning again. A Yorkshire derby we haven’t had for many years which is sure to have a great atmosphere (A lot more than Wednesday brought anyway) and another game where form doesn’t count as much. This game will be a battle, and will be a real test for our boys.

I really couldn’t say what can happen. I feel a lot will depend upon the Leeds result, but we need some confidence before our next opposition.

That of course is our F.A Cup Round 3 game against Aston Villa. The ‘Thriller at the Villa’ tie was reversed as the Villains visit the KC on the 7th January, K.O 12 (also live on BBC.)

After Villa’s defeat to Donny in the League Cup, lets hope the same Villa side turn up and we can cause an upset in front of the viewing nation. Boaz will have something to prove to a club that sold him just under two years ago, and former Birmingham striker Craig Fagan will relish an opportunity to play against their rivals.

Do we want a cup run? I don’t know really. We never usually have one so it would be nice – especially as I live with a Villa fan. A cup run could distract any league form we could put together, but can also be positive for the firm.

Lets hope we have a good Christmas and the Tigers can pick up the points that will make all our Christmas and New Years celebrations seem a lot happier !!

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year !! and keep on supporting the Tigers