Hull City fans will be over the moon if Ruben Selles unleashes ‘fantastic’ talent against Derby County

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The stakes couldn’t be higher at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon when Hull City host relegation rivals Derby County.

Hull are currently on 48 points, knowing a win would guarantee their Championship status for another campaign, while Derby County are on 46.

It promises to be a nerve-shredding afternoon in East Yorkshire, with Ruben Selles issuing a rallying cry to his players ahead of the game.

In a relegation six-pointer of this magnitude, it’s often about who wants it more on the pitch than the quality on show.

Hull beat Preston 2-1 on Monday to keep themselves above the dotted line, but despite securing the three points, Selles must drop one of his starters.

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Ruben Selles must start Gustavo Puerta against Derby County

A double from Joe Gelhardt from the penalty spot secured all three points for the Tigers against Preston.

Hull showed some unbelievable spirit to come from behind and clinch only their fifth home win of the season, with substitute Gustavo Puerta making a difference from the bench.

Puerta was dubbed ‘fantastic’ by Selles after the game, and that is a sentiment shared by City supporters.

He’s impressed the Tigers faithful with his incredible work rate and all-action performances since joining on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, and the 21-year-old’s move to the MKM Stadium will become permanent in the summer.

The Colombian was introduced for Steven Alzate on the hour mark, and the youngster was influential alongside Regan Slater, successfully winning the ball for his team and keeping it tidy in possession.

In a relegation six-pointer, winning the midfield battle is imperative. Puerta rarely loses any duel he contests, as demonstrated against Preston, and the tigerish South American is needed from the off against Derby.

Regan Slater should drop out of the starting lineup

Most Hull fans will agree that Slater hasn’t reached his usual standards this term and has been fortunate to keep his place in the starting lineup.

The Englishman offers high energy and tenacity out of possession but his decision-making on the ball can often let him down.

Worryingly, though, he wasn’t great off the ball against Preston, winning just one of his five ground duels and making just one tackle.

That isn’t strong enough output from the 25-year-old, who was outclassed by Puerta when he came onto the pitch and should now be dropped for the Colombian.