Craven Park clash far from make or break but Hull FC can have no excuses against Hull KR

Hull FC make the short journey to Craven Park on Friday to take on Hull KR in the first derby of the year (kick off 12:30pm).

Here, Hull Live previews the clash.

will arrive at Craven Park on Friday morning on the back of two straight defeats. They weren’t far off against Wigan Warriors or Huddersfield Giants and there were some encouraging signs, but ultimately they were second best in both games.

There can be no excuses for falling short this time around, though, in a clash that even the players are describing as a ‘win at all costs’ match-up. It will be closely contested, derbies almost always are, but after seeing Brett Hodgson name something close to his strongest squad once more, Hull supporters will make the journey over Myton Bridge with confidence.

Andre Savelio has shaken off the knee issue he picked up last weekend, while Josh Reynolds, Luke Gale and Jake Connor will be better for the run out they had together last weekend. Kane Evans is fit, too, and he’ll be keen to build some form in a sizeable pack which will hope to dominate the centre of the field.

Hodgson will have his fingers crossed that Carlos Tuimavave will be fit for the clash and his experience and temperament would be huge for Hull in an atmosphere that is sure to be hostile and intimidating. If he’s not, though, Mitieli Vulikijapani has shown he is capable of shining in the Samoa international’s absence.

The bookmakers haven’t been able to spilt the two sides in the build-up to this one, but if FC rock up in east Hull and play to their full potential, they have the talent required to take the two points back to the MKM Stadium.

The Black and Whites haven’t been to the other side of the city for almost three years, with their last game at Craven