Team news and starting line-ups for Hull FC v Castleford Tigers at the KC Stadium in Super League on Thursday, July 24 (kick-off 8pm). Read a match report and reaction at full-time.Hull FC
Hull FC skipper Gareth Ellis returns after missing the last two matches with a back injury, as Richard Horne drops out of the 19-man squad.
Lee Radford has rated Kirk Yeaman and Setaimata Sa as 50/50 after missing the Wigan hammering, and Hull could do with both players to avoid a fourth successive defeat.
Young centre Jack Logan is not expected to keep his place after his debut at the Warriors, with Yeaman looking to take to the field.Castleford Tigers
Garreth Carvell could face his former side just days after sealing a permanent deal at Castleford. He takes the place of Craig Huby.
Prolific winger Justin Carney misses out, as does centre Jake Webster, with Ashley Gibson and James Clare coming into the side at their expense.Players to watch
Tonight will be the first chance for Hull FC fans to take a glimpse of their new signing for 2015 in Marc Sneyd.
The Castleford talisman, on loan from Salford Red Devils, has sprung from nowhere to attract attention from rival Super League clubs.
If it isn't his compelling goal-kicking that impresses you, he can also create something out of nothing.
It's a signature of significance for a position that's continued to plague the Black and Whites for the good part of eight seasons.
The double swoop for Sneyd and Catalan pivot Leon Pryce will only strengthen FC, leaving the current half-backs under threat.
A lack of creative nous from Hull's play-makers hasn't gone unnoticed, and Jordan Rankin must produce a game of his life at the KC Stadium tonight to outshine the man who could well take his position next season.
Rankin hasn't been given the service from his team-mates in which to score points from his side in a collective effort which has let down Hull this term.
However, with the added pressure to perform, this could be a fixture where we see the Australian's talents come to the fore. Partnered once again with youngster Jordan Abdull, it's going to be a tough task.Castleford form guide
Castleford have three wins from their last four games, as opposed to Hull's three defeats from their previous quartet. Both teams also have a draw to their name out of the last month.
Impressive victories over play-off rivals Widnes and Huddersfield have seen the Tigers take fourth spot in Super League, but they were made to wait until injury-time to secure a 14-10 win over Salford Red Devils.
The Tigers' last defeats came to St Helens – FC's opponents next week – and Wigan Warriors, who hammered Hull last Friday night.
Last time out, Grant Millington's last-gasp try secured a point for Castleford in their 24-24 draw against 12-man Leeds Rhinos. Kevin Sinfield saw red late on in the match for head-butting Luke Dorn, and the Tigers took full advantage.
Michael Shenton gave Cas a first-minute lead through FC-bound Marc Sneyd's assist, but Leeds replied through Tom Briscoe and Ryan Bailey.
Carl Ablett touched down twice after both Kirk Dixon and Nathan Massey's tries, but Millington struck late on to seal a deserved draw.Gareth Westmorland's view:
Having watched Hull FC give up the ghost against Wigan Warriors last week, I left the DW Stadium wondering where the pride in the shirt had disappeared to.
After the opening 15 minutes, it was level-pegging and Shaun Wane's men were there for the taking.
But like true champions, the Warriors found a way to pull away from their opponents – something Hull have been unable to do all season.
The defeat was FC's heaviest of the campaign, and they took a battering from a second-gear Wigan side. The answer? Forget the top eight, and focus on putting on a show for your fans.
A section of supporters began calling for Lee Radford's head whilst the Warriors were piling on the points.
The players may have seen the infamous banner, and heads will have dropped if so. Now's not the time to get on their backs.
If Hull want to finish the season on a high note, now is the time to bring some pride and passion to the fore.
The KC Stadium will expect nothing less than a massive response from the 56-10 loss across the Pennines, and I feel some of the Hull squad will look to make amends for their dire performances at Wigan.
That said, Castleford are another team who can record a cricket score if teams are not careful.
Averaging 31 points a game so far this campaign, it's that kind of attacking prowess that's seen the Tigers climb to fourth spot in Super League. In contrast, FC have scored 30 points or more just four times this season.
Castleford are a side who, remarkably, look better without talisman Rangi Chase. Led around the park by Marc Sneyd – who I'm looking forward to seeing – and Daryl Clark, Hull have their work cut out to negate their threats.
No superstar names are currently within the Tigers ranks, and it's the team ethos that coach Daryl Powell has brought in which has delivered success on the field.
Without winger Justin Carney, this could be a game where Castleford's edges are under threat, but it's up to Tom Lineham and Fetuli Talanoa to improve on their showings of late.
I can only see this fixture going one way, but could we see a shock result?
