Hull are on the blink of a full-blown crisis compared to a Fulham side merrily heading for mid-table mediocrity.

Phil Brown’s side are no longer just suffering a dip in form after coming racing out of the traps. They are no longer getting dragged into the relegation battle. They have swiftly become one of its major protagonisits.

Just one win in eighteen, three points from the last thirty-three available and a far from enviable run-in means games are running out for Brown.

The Tigers’ supporters decided to make his job that little bit tougher on Sunday by voicing their displeasure towards a man who has guided the club into the top flight for the first time in their history.

With Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United all still to come for the Premier League new boys, Wednesday night’s trip to West London must be viewed as a chance, as an opportunity to finally stop what must feel like a never-ending rot.

Unfortunately for Brown, Roy Hodgson’s men are anything but a pushover at The Cottage. Up 15 points on this same stage last year and unbeaten at home in the league in nine, West London is not the best place to be going in the hunt for your first win of 2009.

Hardened straw-clutchers will point to the unavailability of Chris Baird as a potential bright spot but Brown will no doubt be more concerned by injuries to captain Ian Ashbee (calf), striker Craig Fagan (knee) and defender Michael Turner, all of whom are doubtful.

Midfielder Dean Marney, who was sent off against Blackburn, and defender Andy Dawson are both suspended.

PIVOTAL PLAYER: Danny Murphy. He's been sheer quality in recent weeks and months. When he's on song he's still capable of dictating a game.

Prediction: 2-1