Hull City establishes points target in push for a play-off spot ahead of two crucial matches.

Hull City have been told they need to secure maximum points from their next two fixtures if they are to maintain a firm grip on a play-off position in the EFL Championship.

The Tigers remain firmly in contention for a top-six finish, but their recent dip in form has increased the pressure ahead of two crucial matches against Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United. With the season entering its decisive phase, there is little margin for error if they are to keep their promotion hopes alive.

The Tigers were well beaten at The Hawthorns last weekend (Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former striker Kevin Phillips, who previously enjoyed success winning promotion from the Championship, believes Hull are in a strong position but must take full advantage of their upcoming schedule. In his view, matches against teams currently struggling near the bottom of the table present an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways.

Hull had built momentum earlier in the campaign, putting together an impressive run of four consecutive victories. However, since the end of January, their performances have been inconsistent. They have suffered five defeats in their last eight outings, a run that has allowed rivals to close the gap.

Southampton, in particular, have capitalised on Hull’s stumbles, recording back-to-back wins to significantly reduce the Tigers’ advantage. What was once a comfortable nine-point cushion has now been cut to just three, tightening the race for play-off places.

Although Hull managed to secure an excellent victory away at Wrexham last Tuesday, their inconsistency was highlighted once again in their most recent outing. They suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion, a side that had been enduring a difficult season.

West Brom entered that match positioned in the bottom three and had not recorded a win since the end of December. Despite that, they produced a dominant performance to comfortably defeat Hull, underlining the unpredictability of the league and the consequences of underperforming.

That result served as a warning for Sergej Jakirović’s side, who must now respond quickly. Their next test comes against Sheffield Wednesday, a team that has struggled throughout the season and has only managed a single win so far. However, Hull will be wary, as the Owls managed to hold them to a 2-2 draw earlier in the campaign at Hillsborough on Boxing Day.

Speaking about the situation, Kevin Phillips emphasised the importance of consistency at this stage of the season. With only a limited number of games remaining, every point carries significant weight, and any slip-ups can prove costly.

He pointed out that Hull’s defeat to West Brom demonstrated how dangerous it can be to underestimate opponents, regardless of their position in the table. According to Phillips, failing to perform at the required level will inevitably result in dropped points, something Hull can ill afford in the current circumstances.

Phillips acknowledged that West Brom deserved credit for their victory but described the outcome as a major setback for Hull, given their ambitions and league position. The loss has increased the urgency surrounding their upcoming fixtures and highlighted the need for an immediate response.

Looking ahead, Phillips believes Hull have a golden opportunity to strengthen their position. Hosting Sheffield Wednesday presents a favourable scenario, as their opponents are effectively playing without pressure, having little left to fight for this season. In contrast, the burden rests heavily on Hull, who must deliver results to stay in the play-off places.

He raised the question of how the team will handle that pressure, suggesting that their response will be crucial in determining their fate. For Phillips, there is little room for compromise—he insists that anything less than six points from the next two matches would be insufficient.

Despite the recent setbacks, Hull are still in a relatively strong position. They currently occupy a play-off spot with 63 points, giving them a platform to build upon. However, maintaining that position will depend on their ability to rediscover consistency and capitalise on the opportunities in front of them.

Phillips concluded by stressing that back-to-back victories against Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United would provide a significant boost heading into the final stretch of the season. Securing six points would not only restore confidence but also put Hull in a favourable position to see out the campaign and secure their place in the play-offs.

In summary, while Hull City remain in control of their destiny, the margin for error has narrowed considerably. The next two matches represent a critical juncture in their season, and delivering positive results could be the key to achieving their promotion ambitions.