Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's midweek Premier League clash between Hull City and Liverpool at the KC Stadium. Both sides still have plenty to fight for at either end of the table in the closing stages of the campaign, and three points for either team tonight would be a major boost to their respective goals. Let's start with a look at the home side...

Hull's position towards the bottom of the standings remains precarious, but it is one that a number of teams also embroiled in the relegation battle wouldn't mind being in right now. Survival is still very much in their hands, with victory tonight taking them four points clear of the bottom three with just four games remaining. They would also leapfrog Aston Villa into 15th place, just one point behind Newcastle.

Victory here is a lot easier said than done, however, and the pressure is very much on the Tigers due to Leicester's incredible recent turnaround. Four wins on the bounce for the Foxes has breathed extra life into the relegation battle, with Sunderland now occupying the final spot in the bottom three. Just two points separate 15th from 18th, and the race to avoid the drop this season looks like it could do right down to the wire.

This is a game in hand for Hull tonight, but that advantage is tempered a little by the fact that Leicester and Sunderland, the two teams directly below them in the table, have also only played 33 games so far. The Foxes face Chelsea tomorrow night, which is about as tough as it gets even for a club in such good form, but the fact that a number of the teams currently in trouble have a game in hand makes the battle even more intriguing.

The odds are perhaps stacked against Hull a little more than the other teams, however, with the Tigers facing a very difficult run-in over the final five games of the season. Including tonight's match, they have four of the top six left to face, with the only exception a home game against Burnley. In addition to Liverpool, they still have Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to play, although a trip to White Hart Lane is their only remaining away game of the campaign.

Four home games out of five certainly makes that end to the season seem more manageable, although Hull have not exactly been world-beaters at the KC Stadium this season. Only Aston Villa have picked up fewer points in front of their own fans, although their record has improved since the turn of the year. They have won half of their six league home games in 2015 compared to just one win in their opening nine outings on their own turf this season.

Leicester have already shown just how important momentum can be in the closing stages of the campaign, and Steve Bruce will be hoping that Saturday's victory over Crystal Palace is the start of a similar run for his side. The 2-0 triumph at Selhurst Park came courtesy of a Dame N'Doye brace and ended a six-game losing streak for the Tigers that included three losses in a row. They have only won consecutive league matches once since September 2013, however, so building on victories is not something they have had much success with in recent times.

They are also looking to keep consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League for the first time since October 2013 tonight, although their defensive record as a whole is not too bad this season. They have conceded the fewest goals in the bottom nine and, perhaps crucially, boast the best goal difference out of any teams in the relegation battle. In a race that is very tight, that factor may well prove to be a telling one.

While Hull are looking to open a four-point gap this evening, Liverpool are attempting to close within four of the Champions League places. Their top-four hopes grew very faint courtesy of back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United, who currently occupy third and fourth place respectively, but events at the weekend opened the door very slightly for them once again. Manchester United's heavy defeat to Everton left the gap at seven, and victory tonight would increase hope a little more on Merseyside.

Their fate still depends on those above them dropping points, however, and the likelihood of overcoming the current seven-point in the final five games is a slim one, it must be said. It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for the Reds, starting poorly before a long undefeated spell at the end of last year and the beginning of 2015. Creeping in to the top four would just about save their campaign, but as things stand it looks like drifting out into failure.

An FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa ended their last hope of silverware this campaign, and Saturday's match against West Brom did little more to suggest Liverpool could at least end the season on a high. The Reds played out a bore draw at The Hawthorns, with Mario Balotelli hitting the bar they closest they came to breaking the deadlock in the stalemate. It was a performance that suggested Liverpool didn't believe that could still get the top four, but United's defeat to Everton a day later may have them kicking themselves even more about the missed chance to close the gap.

Their failure to find the back of the net at The Hawthorns was representative of their main problem all season. While last term their defensive record was largely to blame for missing out on the league title, this time around it has been scoring goals, with the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and Daniel Sturridge to injury hitting the Reds hard. As a result, they have scored just 47 times this season - a whopping 43 fewer than at the same stage of last term. No team in the top seven has scored fewer, and it is no surprise that Brendan Rodgers has already outlined his desire to buy a striker in the summer.

Defensively, they have actually been much improved, despite a shaky start to the campaign and repeated question marks of Simon Mignolet. The clean sheet against West Brom was their 14th of the season - only Chelsea have kept more - while only Southampton and Chelsea have conceded fewer goals on their travels this season. It isn't quite the swashbuckling style that won so many admirers last season, but that defensive solidity has at least helped Liverpool to stick around in the race for the Champions League this long.

The Reds have a relatively kind run-in, with only one team in the top eight still left to play this season. Admittedly, that does come against leaders and champions-elect Chelsea, but Rodgers will be confident of picking up maximum points against QPR, Crystal Palace and Stoke, in addition to tonight's match. Realistically, they need to win all of those games if they are to keep pushing for the top four, and a result against Chelsea - who could have already won the league by the time they face Liverpool, may also be required.

Liverpool's form in recent weeks has hit a noticeable dip, however, with just one win from their last four home games following a spell of 10 wins and three draws from 13. They have only lost one of their last eight away games in the top flight having lost five of their opening eight this season, and incredibly they have kept seven clean sheets in that recent eight-game run. Only Arsenal, who found the net four times, have scored past a travelling Liverpool in the league since December 14.

TEAM NEWS: The teams are in for both sides, and the headline news is that Steven Gerrard drops out entirely for the visitors. He is replaced by Joe Allen, while Mario Balotelli keeps his place up front in a side that sees only one change from the draw with the Baggies. Hull make no changes, meanwhile, as Steve Bruce keeps faith with the same XI that beat Palace on Saturday. Full teams for both sides coming up...

HULL STARTING XI: Harper; Brady, McShane, Dawson, Chester, Elmohamady; Huddlestone, Livermore, Quinn; Aluko, N'Doye

HULL SUBS: McGregor, Rosenior, Figueroa, Bruce, Hernandez, Sagbo, Ramirez

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren, Johnson; Allen, Henderson; Ibe, Sterling, Coutinho; Balotelli

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Toure, Lambert, Manquillo, Lallana, Brannagan, Markovic

So, no changes for Hull, and it isn't much of a surprise following their impressive victory at Selhurst Park last time out. Bruce goes for two up front once again, resisting the urge to go more defensive against one of the league's big teams, with Aluko and N'Doye leading the line. The latter has proved to be a very shrewd signing in the winter window, with his brace against Palace taking him to five goals in eight starts for the Tigers. He has also scored in three of his four Premier League appearances at the KC Stadium, so will be hopeful of getting on the scoresheet again tonight.

Elsewhere, Bruce has again opted for his 5-3-2 formation, with Brady and Elmohamady acting as wing-backs who will get forward whenever possible. Both can be real threats down the flank, with Brady's delivery very dangerous when on form and Elmohamady the type of player who can relieve pressure with a mazy run out from defence. The likes of Sterling and Ibe, expected to play as wide forward men for Liverpool, may not be too keen to track back either, so that pair could get some joy for Hull tonight.

Harper is again preferred to McGregor between the sticks for the hosts tonight, while Chester, Dawson and McShane resume as the central trio at the back. Diame and Robertson remain sidelined having failed to recover from injury in time for this match, but both could be available for next Monday's meeting with Arsenal. Abel Hernandez, Yannick Sagbo and Gaston Ramirez will provide the attacking threat from the bench should Bruce need it.

As for Liverpool, they have also kept changes to a minimum despite their disappointing performance last time out. Rodgers has reverted to a back four in recent weeks and is again expected to deploy that, with Can on the right and Johnson on the left of Skrtel and Lovren. Three at the back worked well for the Reds during their unbeaten streak earlier in the season, with injuries have forced Rodgers's hand a little with the selection tonight.

That is true up front especially, where Balotelli makes a second consecutive start in the continued absence of the injured Sturridge. He put in an improved display in parts against West Brom last time out and struck the bar, so Rodgers will be hoping to see the best of the Italian tonight. He certainly hasn't shown that in his Liverpool career so far, failing to score in 14 of his 15 Premier League outings for the club despite attempting 59 shots on goal (including blocked shots).

The only change in the team sees Steven Gerrard make way for Joe Allen, with the Liverpool skipper not even on the bench as his illustrious career with the club edges ever closer to its conclusion. Allen joins Henderson in the middle of the park, with the England international and teammate Simon Mignolet tonight becoming the first top-flight players this season to make 50 appearances in all competitions. Both have impressed since the turn of the year, however, so fatigue doesn't seem to be playing much of a part for them.

Helping Balotelli out in attack will be the trio of Coutinho - a PFA Player of the Year nominee and Team of the Year member - as well as Sterling and Ibe. There is no doubt that those three can be very exciting and almost impossible to stop when on top form, but Sterling in particular has struggled to reach those heights on a consistent basis recently. Ibe has suffered from injuries following a bright start to his Liverpool career, while even Coutinho has blown hot and cold at times this season. Rodgers will need all three to be on top form for the remainder of the campaign if they are to catch Manchester United.

PREDICTION: We're 10 minutes from kickoff at the KC Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! Both sides are in desperate need of a victory, but it could end up being another tight affair as it was in the return fixture at Anfield. Hull have struggled to back up victories this season and I can see that being the case again tonight, with Liverpool in good form away from home too. I'll go for a 1-0 away win.

As mentioned, Hull have already taken points off Liverpool this season, holding out for a 0-0 draw at Anfield in October. Their overall record against the Reds is not great, however, with only one win and 13 defeats from their 19 competitive meetings, including just one win from seven in the Premier League. That solitary victory came in their last meeting here at the KC, however, with Livermore, Meyler and a Skrtel own goal helping the Tigers to a 3-1 triumph in December 2013.

That defeat for Liverpool ultimately proved costly in their surprise title bid last season, despite an incredible run of form over the second half of the campaign. Similarly, another loss tonight would surely be the final nail in the coffin for their Champions League hopes. Simply put, this is a must-win game for the visitors, while anything other than victory for Hull could see them enter the weekend in 17th depending on results in Leicester's match tomorrow night.

Indeed, defeat by more than two goals would see Hull slip below Leicester this evening due to goal difference, with Hull currently on -14 and Leicester just behind on -16. Hull have not been on the end of too many heavy defeats this season, but they have conceded eight goals in their last four games, even including the clean sheet last time out.

The players are out, the handshakes have been exchanged and we're just about ready to go at the KC Stadium. It is a huge match in the seasons of both sides, but who will come out on top? Both will be confident of success here tonight.

KICKOFF: Balotelli and Coutinho get us underway at the KC Stadium as Liverpool look to return to winning ways and Hull aim to make it two in a row.

Balotelli wins an early free kick off Huddlestone and reacts angrily before taking the set piece on himself. His effort from 30 yards deflects off the top of the wall before looping a couple of yards wide of Harper's goal.

Hull have made a good, bright start to this match. They are looking to get forward and on the front foot whenever possible and have caused the Liverpool defence one or two problems already this evening.

CHANCE! Huge chance for Hull to break the deadlock early on. It is fine play from Aluko, who squares up Skrtel before swinging a peach of a cross into the box. The in-form N'Doye has found space between two defenders and plants his header towards goal, but Mignolet makes the save. Big chance for N'Doye, but he just couldn't steer it away from Mignolet.

Poor from McShane as he gives the ball straight to Ibe, but Brady is across to mop up as the Liverpool youngster looked to run straight at the defence. Moments later Quinn also gives the ball away inside his own half, but again Hull survive.

Liverpool have settled into the game now having survived that early N'Doye chance. The visitors are seeing plenty of the ball right now and look fairly comfortable following a bright start from Hull.

Balotelli has been forced to drop quite deep to receive the ball on a number of occasions already tonight, which is congested things for the likes of Sterling, Ibe and Coutinho. The Italian's lack of runs in behind the defence has been one of the biggest criticisms of him this season and he has started in a similar vein tonight.

Lovely play from Coutinho as he spins his man before playing a perfect through-ball inside the full-back for Johnson. He has Balotelli in the middle but gets his cross all wrong, firing it straight into the arms of the keeper.

Hull have another chance to put the ball into the box from a free kick, with Brady standing over the deep set piece. His delivery isn't near any Hull shirts, but Skrtel takes no chances and puts it behind for a corner anyway.

Quick break from Liverpool as they win the ball inside their own half before Balotelli unleashes Ibe down the right. The youngster twists and turns Brady on his way into the box before his low cross is deflected into the near side-netting.

CHANCE! Liverpool's first clear chance of the evening falls to Coutinho from the resulting corner, and it is one straight from the training ground. Coutinho darts to the near post to get on the end of Henderson low delivery before wrapping his foot around the ball to fire it goalwards. There is plenty of power on it, but it is straight at Harper, who reacts well to make the save.

Another half chance for Liverpool as the pressure begins to build on the home defence. This time it is Ibe who gets onto the end of a deep cross at the back post, but he can't find a teammate in the middle or turn it goalwards from a tight angle.

Skrtel concedes a free kick in a good crossing position on the left, and the resulting delivery is punched away by Mignolet. The ball is lifted back into the area, but Chester can only plant a tame header straight into the arms of the Liverpool keeper.

SAVE! Half a chance for Liverpool as Balotelli makes something of nothing in the middle. Sterling shows great pace to beat his man on the left before pulling the ball back to Balotelli in the middle. The Italian has his back to goal but tries a backheel, getting plenty on his inventive effort. It is straight at the keeper, however, and Harper gleefully hangs on.

OFF THE LINE! Oh, how has this one not gone in?! Brady beats Can all ends up down the left before fizzing a dangerous cross into the box that Mignolet gets a hand to. N'Doye nods it back towards goal and Mignolet somehow claws it away having recovered very quickly from his initial stop. It still takes a goalline clearance from Johnson to complete the job, with the full-back hooking it away when Aluko was lurking.

Dawson is fortunate to get away without a card here as he stretches in on a late challenge on Henderson, dragging his studs down the leg of the stand-in Liverpool skipper. It looked like a genuine attempt to get the ball, but it was quite a nasty one.

It's all very congested for Liverpool when they try to play through the middle now, with Hull getting plenty of players behind the ball. Huddlestone in particular is doing a good job of shielding his defence, with most of Coutinho's best work so far coming in wider positions.

SHOT! Coutinho tries one of his specials from just outside the box, cutting inside before going for goal. This time he can't bend it in, however, instead going for the near post where Harper was waiting to make a comfortable save.

Aluko is unfortunate here as he drags the ball skilfully between the legs of Can, who has been beaten a few times down that flank already tonight. The referee deems that the ball was out for a throw, however, when the replays showed that the Hull man just about kept it in.

Hull break the deadlock with just under 10 minutes to go until half time, and it is a first goal for the club from Michael Dawson. The chance initially looked to be gone when a corner arrived at an unmarked McShane at the back post. His touch is poor, but he still manages to find Elmohamady who gets a cross in, and Dawson is there to plant a header beyond the despairing dive of Mignolet. He looked to be offside, but the replays show that Balotelli was slow to get out and played the centre-back on.

YELLOW CARD! The first card of the game also goes the way of Hull as Livermore enters the book for a rash sliding challenge. No complaints there.

CHANCE! Liverpool have a chance for a quick response as they come forward following a contentious Lovren challenge on Aluko. Balotelli feeds the ball out right for Ibe, whose cross in the middle found Henderson in a yard of space. The Liverpool skipper hooks an effort goalwards, but it is straight at Harper, who gathers at the second attempt.

Aluko has been a real threat for Hull in this first half, testing the Liverpool defence almost every time he gets the ball. His pace and tricky is causing problems and, while he wasn't involved in the goal, he will be happy with his contribution so far.

There will be two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

CHANCE! Big chance for Liverpool with the last action of the half as Johnson bursts forward down the left. He reaches the byline in the box before firing a low cross right across the face of goal. Balotelli is just short of reaching it for a tap-in and it goes all the way through to safety.

So far so good for Hull City, then, as they go into the break leading Liverpool 1-0 at the KC Stadium. As things stand, the Tigers will be four points clear of the relegation zone, while Liverpool's Champions League ambitions will be all but over. It is still nicely poised for the second half, but Hull will be the happier side at the interval.

The goal came from Michael Dawson, who chose a good time to get his first from the club to break the deadlock. McShane at the back post took a poor touch inside the box before leaving it for Elmohamady, who lifted a good cross into the box. Dawson was waiting unmarked to plant a firm header past Mignolet having been played onside by Balotelli, who was slower than everyone else to get out.

There have been a few other chances at either end of the field in the match so far, with Hull creating the first one when N'Doye nodded a fine Aluko cross too close to Mignolet. The hosts have had one cleared off the line too, with Mignolet making a good double save before Johnson completed the clearance from underneath his own crossbar. It was good play from Brady to create it, but N'Doye was again denied by Mignolet before Johnson took it off the toes of Aluko.

Liverpool have certainly had their own openings to go in level, however, with Coutinho and Henderson in particular testing Harper with hooked efforts from inside the box. Coutinho's came from a well-worked corner that was fed in low towards the near post, but it was straight at the Hull keeper. Henderson also put his straight at the keeper, who this time gathered at the second attempted to deny the visitors.

Liverpool very nearly got a goal with the last action of the first half too as Johnson burst forward with an enterprising run down the left flank. He made his way into the box and reached the byline, but his subsequent low cross was inches away from Balotelli as it travelled through to safety. Johnson couldn't have done much more, but Hull narrowly survived a real scare that could have had a major impact on the game had it gone in.

Balotelli has also come close with an inventive effort in the first half, collecting a cross with his back to goal inside the box. He attempted a backheel and got a lot on it, but yet again it was straight at Harper. Coutinho has been bright and could be the key for Liverpool getting back into this match, although most of the dangerous play at either end of the field has come down the flanks.

KICKOFF: Hull get us back underway at the KC Stadium as they look to hold out for what would be a priceless three points here. Can they do it, or will Liverpool respond?

Interestingly, Aluko appears to have put the wrong shirt on at half time! He has come out with Abel Hernandez's shirt on, and Lee Probert has now told him to go and get changed!

Liverpool have seen plenty of the ball in the opening exchanges of this second half, but still they are struggling to play through Hull. Most of their best moments have come from crosses, with Hull keeping things very tight in the central areas.

Hull have a free kick in a good crossing position and Brady swings a dangerous ball into the box. Mignolet comes out bravely to punch it, clattering into Lovren and N'Doye in the process. Both players look in pain after that collision.

Both players are back up and on the field again, thankfully not appearing to show any lasting effects.

Magnificent skill from Aluko yet again as he gets away from Lovren before throwing in a Marseille roulette past Johnson for good measure. Allen eventually makes the challenge, but Aluko has been a real livewire tonight.

Still no chances for either side in this second half so far as Hull continue to keep things tight at the back. They are being a little cautious when going forward due to their position, but with Aluko and N'Doye looking dangerous, they still carry a threat in the final third.

Half a chance for Liverpool as Henderson plays a diagonal ball towards the back post, where Sterling has snuck in behind. He tries to get his head to it, but Elmohamady does just about enough to prevent a clean effort from the winger.

Liverpool have just under half an hour left to rescue their slim Champions League ambitions here, but they haven't shown many signs of threatening so far in this second half. That may change here, however, as they have a free kick in a crossing position...

Henderson is the man to play the ball towards the back post, but again Elmohamady does enough to this time deny Skrtel.

CHANCE! Almost a superb goal from Liverpool as Coutinho weaves his magic to feed the ball in for Henderson. The skipper takes the ball down on his chest before volleying towards the near post on the turn, but Harper gets down really smartly to turn it past the post.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Double change from the visitors as Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert replace Ibe and Balotelli for the final 25 minutes.

Coutinho is looking most likely to break down this Hull defence, which continues to stand firm. The Brazilian pokes another clever through-ball down the left channel for Henderson, but the skipper's cross goes straight behind for a goal kick.

Hull have a really good chance to break as Aluko nicks the ball in front of one man to set N'Doye through. Aluko gets back in support for a two-on-two situation, but Skrtel makes a vital challenge to quell the danger.

SAVE! Henderson looks to get an equaliser for his side, again linking up with Coutinho before testing Harper. This time it was a powerful low effort from 20 yards or so, but Harper would have been disappointed to let that one in.

Time continues to tick away for Liverpool, who are still seeing plenty of the ball but just can't get through Hull. Coutinho and Henderson are the only two who really look like doing much, with Sterling having endured a disappointing game tonight.

CLOSE! Almost a second for Hull as a corner is flicked on at the near post before hitting Skrtel, who didn't know too much about it. He did enough to put it the right side of his post, however, and Liverpool survive a rare second-half scare.

LIVERPOOL SUB: A third and final change for Liverpool as Lazar Markovic replaces Lovren. Markovic looks like he will play at right-back, with Can slotting in alongside Skrtel in the middle.

SAVE! Another save for Harper to make, but again it is a routine one for the veteran keeper. Sterling cuts inside when he picks the ball up on the left wing and gets a shot away, but Livermore deflects the ball, which helps Harper to make the stop.

Liverpool are really committing men forward now, and that is giving Hull the chance to break. They have exactly that opportunity here, but Johnson stands his ground and halts the counter led by N'Doye.

CHANCE! Good shooting chance for Liverpool as Coutinho breaks down the left before poking the ball back for Sterling. The winger finally finds a bit of space inside the box, but his effort is straight at Harper.

HULL SUB: The hosts make their first change of the night with just six minutes remaining as Quinn is replaced by Gaston Ramirez.

Almost a break for Liverpool as Markovic is on his toes to pounce on a loose ball inside the area. Brady reacts really well to get a foot in, however, flicking the ball off the toes of Markovic and behind for a corner.

SHOT! The pressure continues to build on the Hull goal and this time it is Lallana who goes for goal, cutting inside before bending his effort a couple of yards past the far post.

HULL SUB: ANother change for Hull and unsurprisingly it is a defensive one as the lively Aluko departs to be replaced by Alex Bruce.

Not for the first time, Allen finds himself as the covering defender to rescue Liverpool. Elmohamady made a brilliant break forward from defensive before N'Doye won a challenge with Skrtel to send his teammate in. Allen got back really well to concede a corner, however.

CLOSE! We've had some cracking goals this season, but this would have been right up there. A corner is played out to Huddlestone, who shows great technique to take it first time on the volley. It is a vicious effort which swings narrowly past the post.

HULL SUB: The final change from Hull sees Liam Rosenior replace N'Doye, whose slow walk to the sideline angered Henderson along the way.

There will be five minutes of added time for Liverpool to rescue something from this game.

It is all Liverpool in these closing stages as Hull pack everyone behind the ball looking to protect what could be a priceless victory.

SAVE! Coutinho has looked most likely for Liverpool tonight and he tries to provide the moment of magic they need from range, but his strike is again comfortable for Harper.

YELLOW CARD! Ramirez picks up a late yellow card for a cynical challenge and then kicking the ball away.

Lee Probert finally puts an end to an agonising period of stoppage time for Hull, who hold on to secure a huge victory in their battle against the drop. They are now four points clear of the bottom three with four games remaining courtesy of two victories in a row. They have some tricky fixtures coming up, but this win will give them huge confidence going into those matches. Liverpool, meanwhile, dominated possession, but barely threatened Harper in the Hull goal as they missed the chance to close the gap on Manchester United. Their Champions League hopes are all but over now.

The only goal of the game came in the first half and, considering the defensive nature of Hull's performance today, it was fitting that it came from one of their centre-backs. Michael Dawson rose to head home from inside the box after being left unmarked to connect with Elmohamady's cross and played onside by Balotelli. The Tigers also had one cleared off the line in the opening period, but in the end one goal was all they needed.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for a significant match at both ends of the table as Hull beat Liverpool 1-0 to edge themselves four points clear of the bottom three. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!