The ‘crisis’ at Anfield is put into stark perspective as soon as the plights of Hull City and Portsmouth are examined. Despite rousing victories for both clubs in recent weeks, they remain fixed in serious relegation trouble and defeat for either at the KC Stadium could precede a truly miserable Christmas. Indeed, Hull’s manager, Phil Brown, may not even last that long in his post – after this fixture his side face potentially make-or-break games against Burnley, Stoke City and West Ham United. Sachin Nakrani

Venue KC Stadium Tickets £20-£25 (01482 505600) Last season Hull 0 Portsmouth 0 Referee S Attwell

This season’s matches 3 Y8, R1, 3.00 cards per game

sportingbet odds Hull 13-10 Portsmouth 9-5 Draw 11-5

Hull

Subs from Warner, Duke, Cooper, Gardner, Mouyokolo, Olofinjana, Cousin, Halmosi, Boateng, Fagan, Mendy, Marney

Doubtful None

Injured García (knee, Oct 31), Ashbee (knee, May)

Suspended None

Form guide LWLLLD

Disciplinary record Y17 R0

Leading scorer Geovanni 3

Portsmouth

Subs from Niemi, Ashdown, Vanden Borre, Belhadj, Basinas, Utaka, Mullins, Williamson, Piquionne, Webber, Kanu Doubtful None

Injured Diop (hamstring, Oct 31), Hreidarsson (foot, Oct 31), Ward (groin, Oct 31), Hughes (hip, Oct 31), Primus (ankle, Nov)

Suspended Brown (one match)

Form guide LWLLLL Disciplinary record Y17 R1

Leading scorer Boateng, Kaboul 2

Match pointers

• Both league meetings between Hull and Portsmouth ended as draws last season but Pompey are unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with the Tigers

• 60% of Portsmouth’s goals this season have been headed

• Hull have kept just three clean sheets in their 23 Premier League games at the KC Stadium – one of those was against Portsmouth

• Portsmouth have scored just five goals this season, fewer than any other side

• Hull are one of three teams not to have scored in the last 15 minutes this season

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