IT'S a great time for Hull City to be facing Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium this Saturday, as they are one of the sides in total freefall in the Championship.
Having entered 2013 third and just a point behind the Tigers, they now trail Steve Bruce's men by 16 points in ninth place, having picked up just eight points from a possible 45.
Even the chances of securing a play-off space are disappearing for Tony Mowbray's men, and the only real danger could be if they come and find their best because they are free of playing under any pressure.
For City, the key will be getting a good start, and an early goal in this one would settle any nerves in the stands and any tension being passed from the terraces to the players.
I don't see City's stars getting tense at present, but there was a bit of that in the crowd on Tuesday, and I think it is important that the fans stay positive and behind their side.
The supporters will no doubt be heading off to watch Watford's clash with Cardiff on Saturday evening, but on the evidence of the Hornets' victory at the KC this week, I wouldn't hold out much hope of Gianfranco Zola's men being beaten, and I'd fancy them to beat the leaders like they did City.
That means City have to make sure they do their job, it's as simple as that.
Finally, over at Leicester City, Nigel Pearson is struggling badly.
I am sure there will be no sympathy from the Hull City fans, and I have to say Pearson has probably been the master of his own downfall this season.
He has a team that is capable of playing some fantastic attacking football, but it is his nature to search for a 1-0 win rather than a 3-2 win, and perhaps he has restricted a talented bunch of players from playing with the freedom they need.
