Leeds v Hull: United in headlines for all wrong reasons, says Bruce

The Tigers make the trip down the M62 looking to capitalise on the off-field turmoil that continues to dog their West Yorkshire rivals.

Bruce, for his part, is desperate to bounce back from last week’s home defeat to Derby County - a result that cost Hull pole position in the Championship.

He said: “It is quite incredible that Leeds have only won once at home. But, you always expect it will be tough at Leeds, especially for a Yorkshire rival.

“They are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and are going through turmoil.

“That is sad for a club with that history and tradition. But it is all about us and how we handle it.”

Abel Hernandez, City’s top scorer with seven goals, is out tomorrow with a hamstring strain suffered during the midweek Capital One Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Michael Dawson is also not ready to return, though Curtis Davies is likely to shake off a sickness bug to be available.

Bruce added: “It’s still too early for Michael but Curtis has a chance. He was sick the other night. We had to take him out of the hotel after he was ill in his room.

“He trained a bit yesterday so we’ll see today if he’s fully recovered.

“As for Abel, he has nicked a bit of a hamstring. He won’t play tomorrow. We only put him on for 20 minutes (at the Etihad) to keep him back but that’s sod’s law.

“We don’t think it’s bad. He obviously won’t play at Leeds and it will be touch and go for next weekend.”

The Tigers lost 4-1 at Manchester City on Tuesday night after the hosts netted three times in the last 10 minutes.

Bruce added: “We could not have wished for a tougher game in the League Cup but for 80 minutes we had a chance. We were in with a shout but, unfortunately, they were too good for us on the night. You have to accept that.

“Before that, Derby was a setback and we must respond by going on another long unbeaten run.

“All the clubs up there have been on runs and will want to sustain that over the winter period.