Alongside best in the Championship

IF we’re all honest, any prospect of reaching the Championship play-offs has now gone for Hull City. It’s not mathematically impossible with another eight games left to play and a six-point gap to make up, but it feels as though Nigel Adkins and his side have too much to do.

Back in January and early February a topsix finish genuinely felt possible. City were still the outsiders but they had the momentum. There was a buzz about the team that only comes when you believe that you can chase down a big prize.

I just don’t sense that anymore. There’s been too many setbacks and that 2-2 draw at home to QPR before the international break made it clear that momentum has all but gone.

Deep down the players will know that ship has sailed and now it’s all about making sure this season finishes in the best possible style. No-one wants to see it fizzle out. I’d love to see the shackles come off down at Ipswich on Saturday. We’ve seen what City are capable of when they get on the front foot at the KCOM Stadium and you’d love to see them adopt that attitude on their travels.

You’d expect an entertaining game at Portman Road in the circumstances.

Ipswich know they’re as good as down and if you look at their results in the last month or so they’re a team that’s playing without pressure. They’ve drawn six of the last seven games and the last three of those have come against teams chasing promotion like West Brom, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.

I’m certainly not expecting City to go there and roll Ipswich over because Paul Lambert has got his side playing well. But when it’s two teams who know a draw is absolutely no use to them, you’d be hopeful that we’ve got the better attacking players if they stand toe-to-toe.