Hull v Liverpool preview: Tigers looking to build on Crystal Palace win

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Hull City have the chance to take a step closer to Premier League survival on Tuesday night when Liverpool travel to the KC Stadium.

The Tigers brought a timely end to their six-game winless run on Saturday as Dame N'Doye's double at Crystal Palace sealed what could turn out to be a priceless three points in their bid to avoid the drop.

Dame N'Doye of Hull City celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Premier League match at Crystal Palace

Steve Bruce's side were left hanging precariously over the bottom three before the victory at Selhurst Park – only their third away win this season - eased some of the mounting pressure on Humberside.

Victory on Tuesday would secure back-to-back wins in the league for only the second time this season and would draw them four points clear of their relegation rivals with just four games to play.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will want to capitalise on Manchester United’s defeat at Everton and keep their faint Champions League hopes alive with a win.

Steve Bruce thinks his Hull side were terrific against Crystal Palace and feels they can take confidence into their match with Liverpool

The Reds missed the chance to close the gap on United after they drew 0-0 at West Brom, and anything other than a victory on Tuesday would leave Europa League football as the only viable option for Brendan Rodgers’ side. 

Team news

Steve Bruce could see his injury problems eased for the visit of Liverpool, with Mohamed Diame and Andy Robertson both pushing to return after missing the Tigers' priceless win at Palace.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge may not play again this season

David Meyler is once again absent due to suspension while Steve Harper is set to continue in goal in place of the out-of-form Allan McGregor.

Liverpool are again without striker Daniel Sturridge for the trip to Hull and are unsure when he will be fit to return.

Sturridge, who has had an injury-hit campaign, has missed three games with a hip problem and Brendan Rodgers has admitted he does not know if he will play again this term.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he was very proud of his players following their 0-0 draw with West Brom

Midfielder Adam Lallana (groin) returned after a groin injury as a substitute at West Brom on Saturday while defender Mamadou Sakho (thigh) and midfielder Lucas Leiva (thigh) are getting closer to fitness.

Opta Facts

Hull City have won just one of the seven Barclays Premier League matches against Liverpool (W1 D3 L3).

Steven Gerrard has scored four goals in six Premier League matches against Hull City.

The Tigers have failed to score in three of their last four Premier League games against the Reds.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce explains his relief at the away win against Crystal Palace

Hull have won just four of their last 17 Premier League home games (W4 D4 L9).

Both Jordan Henderson and Simon Mignolet have made 49 competitive appearances this season and could become the first PL players to make 50 in all comps in 2014-15.

Hull City enjoyed a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday, but they haven’t kept two successive PL clean sheets since October 2013.

Betting

Sky Bet make Liverpool the even-priced favourites on Tuesday night, with Hull 13/5 to for the victory while the draw is a 5/2 chance.

Brendan Rodgers’ men head into the clash considered 8/1 chances to secure a top-four finish this season, while the Tigers are out to 9/4 to face relegation after boosting their survival prospects with a win at the weekend.

Dame N’Doye delivered the goods with a brace at Crystal Palace and is 6/1 to break the deadlock, while Raheem Sterling is rated the Reds’ main goal threat at 11/2.

The Soccer Saturday pundits have made their predictions on www.skybet.com, including Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas both going for a 1-1 draw and N’Doye to score first at 30/1.