Too early for 'six-pointer' talk at Hull City

I'm fairly certain, particularly given the dour first half, that most Ipswich and Hull City fans who attended their meeting in East Yorkshire last year would not have had this one down as a Premier League fixture less than 12 months later.

Similarly, the fact both teams already have 10 points on the board this season, and have beaten opponents involved in European competitions, will also have raised a few eyebrows.

What is perhaps less surprising is that Saturday's latest meeting at MKM Stadium is already being labelled by some as a "six-pointer" and one their side simply cannot afford to lose.

I'm not ready for talk like that yet, especially given how well both the Blues and the Tigers have shown they can compete against others well established in the top-flight. Hopefully, I'll still feel the same way by the time the reverse fixture comes around in late January.

That is not to say the result this weekend lacks significance. A win for either side would provide a welcome boost and could even dent the confidence of a fellow newly promoted rival.

After a perfect start, Hull are now six league games without a victory. Town, meanwhile, are yet to go three league matches without a win under Gary O'Neil, although they have not opened the scoring since their trip to Old Trafford in August.

That could be a significant factor on Saturday. In a game that feels likely to be tight, striking the first blow may prove crucial. It could also go some way towards creating a little breathing space in an increasingly congested table.

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