Assessing the run-ins of Hull City's rivals in the Championship relegation battle

Hull City are not favourites to suffer relegation to League One this season and have breathing space in the form of a 12-point lead over 22nd-placed Barnsley. However, until Championship safety is mathematically secured, the Tigers cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

Barnsley have a game in hand but still face an uphill battle, although they may be encouraged by the fact Hull have won just one of their last five. The home form of Shota Arveladze's side has also been painfully underwhelming and has thwarted their efforts to steer clear of the relegation battle.

Although few may be anticipating a return to the third tier for Hull, the final six games remain crucial whilst relegation is a possibility and with that in mind, HullLive have assessed the run-ins of the four sides below the 20th-placed Tigers in the table.

Reading face two daunting away trips either side of their visit to the KCOM Stadium, therefore the Royals will need to accumulate points at home. Cardiff and Swansea have both been stifled by inconsistency and West Bromwich Albion have taken a tumble down the table and away from the promotion picture, so three points from any of those clashes would not be an unrealistic expectation.

Saturday, 9 April: Cardiff City (H)

Friday, 15 April: Sheffield United (A)

Monday, 18 April: Swansea City (H)

Saturday, 23 April: Hull City (A)

Saturday, 30 April: West Bromwich Albion (H)

Saturday, 7 May: Luton Town (A)

Had events played out differently this season, Barnsley's final game of the season could have been played against the backdrop of an interesting narrative. After marching into the play-offs against the odds last season, Barnsley lost their head coach Valerien Ismael to West Bromwich Albion, as well as their