THERE'S absolutely no question in my mind that the result of this weekend's derby is more important from the Black and Whites' point of view.
Owner Adam Pearson, whilst publicly backing his coach after speculation of his impending sacking at the end of the season, has again reiterated that not making the play-offs and having a good tilt at the Grand Final is unacceptable.
Hull are eighth, two points behind their hosts Hull KR, albeit with a sound points difference.
Lose, and it's goodbye to catching their most fiercest rivals for season 2013.
Win and they will overtake Rovers into seventh, possibly even sixth.
There's simply no room for error on Hull's part.
The single most important factor on Sunday evening is being above their fierce rivals.
The pressure is enormous for a win, even more so than normal with performances needing to be good with players vying for their Cup final shirts just two weeks later.
With Salford next up, before back-to-back games against Wigan followed by a round 27 game against a much-improved Saints team, it's easy to see why many people could see this game as make or break for FC.
So will all these external factors be music to red and white ears?
Will the coaches and players of KR be lapping up all the pressure on their opponents? You bet they will.
Let's just say if the game was going my way if I were in a red and white shirt I'd be letting the Black and Whites know it.
Let them know if they lose at Wembley it's season over, Mad Monday is very early this year. Everyone loves derby sledging on the field.
Craig Sandercock and his players will know the pressure their opponents are under from all angles.
However, Sandercock will reiterate a great deal that a desperate team, especially in derbies, often come up with a performance of their lives.
Often his team have been under enormous pressure and come up with a huge result.
He'll also know that a victory over their most fierce rivals will mean he can begin to prepare for the play-off series with regards his players, training planning and everything else that goes along with finals rugby.
Like all derbies, predicting the outcome is very difficult.
My prediction is a Hull FC win by four points.
I just believe they will be a desperate team, with absolutely everything to play for with regards to the play-off race, with Wembley places up for grabs too.
Predicting the other ingredients of a Hull derby are easy.
The game will be intense, fierce and brutal between players who will be as committed as ever for a derby.
Both packs will fire into each other with no regard for their own safety.
Every player on show will again be aware of the special nature of the spectacle they are to be involved in come Sunday.
Each player will be made aware of just what it means to the fans of the club they represent.
Every player will be 100 per cent committed to gaining a much-needed win in the battle for the play-offs.
I cannot wait to see this game, to witness the brutality of the collisions, the pride on show from every player, and the skill, speed and smartness.
There's just a little more at stake coming towards the end of a Super League campaign.
It's win or bust for Hull FC, in my opinion.
And for KR it's a unique opportunity to put to bed their cross-city rivals for 2013 where Super League is concerned.
My key clashesSean Gleeson Vs Kirk Yeaman The battle between Hull FC's derby king and Hull KR's derby debut maker promises to be a fascinating clash. Yeaman has seen and done just about everything in the game, whereas Gleeson will be desperate to make his mark on his derby bow. Both players have an ability to make their opposite number look stupid with a mixture between the two of brute strength, big fends, dazzling footwork and an ability to score and create points for their team. The battle between the centres on that side of the field for me will be intriguing one. Win it and their side could pick up the two points.Keal Carlile Vs Aaron Heremaia The clash between the hookers off the bench will be huge. For me Carlile will play, in for the suspended Lincoln Withers. Heremaia has been used perfectly in rotation with Danny Houghton by coach Peter Gentle. Heremaia coming on and probing around the ruck with his smart thinking, strength and deception. Carlile is a man who will be desperate to impress coach Craig Sandercock having lost his place to Withers. With games running out, can Carlile force his coach's hand with a great derby display? With his scampering dummy-half running, off the back of his big men winning the ruck, could he be the hero?Michael Dobson Vs Daniel Holdsworth Both men are, without question, key to their team's ability to win matches. They have fantastic skills and are able to make top-drawer decisions in the most difficult of circumstances, in the most intense, pressurised arenas. Derby day certainly fits that bill then. The battle of their respective kicking boots will have a huge say on the outcome. The smartest player on the day will inevitably put their respective team in a position to gain a massive two points.• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
