Manic six weeks to shape season

CAN CITY KICK ON DURING VITAL 11-GAME RUN?

- By BARRY COOPER

City defeated Portsmouth 3-2 on Saturday at the MKM Stadium

(SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)

Saturday's 3-2 win over struggling Portsmouth at the MKM Stadium ensured Hull City would go into the international break in fine shape and ready for what comes next.

Sergej Jakirovic's Tigers are nestled nicely inside the Championship's top six after reaching their highest position since Liam Rosenior was in charge during the 2023/24 campaign.

City are 10 points and 14 places better off than they were at this stage a year ago, and confidence is building that the Tigers can go on and compete for a place in the top six in the latter stages of the season, especially with key players set to return in the next couple of weeks.

Before the Tigers pause for the FA Cup third round over the weekend of January 10/11, they have 11 games in the league and 33 points up for grabs.

They'll go into those games in good heart, after taking 13 from a possible 15 points since the last international break. Only Coventry City and Derby County have been in better form than Jakirovic's Tigers.

Here's a look at the games to come...

Saturday, November 22 - QPR - Loftus Road

■Where are they? 16th

■Anything to know? Well, they're not in great form and have won just two at home so far this season. They drew last time out having lost the three before that and have one of the leakiest defences in the Championship.

Tuesday, November 25 - Ipswich Town - MKM Stadium

■Where are they? 7th