Hull manager Nigel Adkins has this warning for his players ahead of Middlesbrough clash

The Tigers sit 21st in the Championship, just one point above the relegation zone, after winning just one of their last five league games,

Adkins, who took charge of the club last season, didn't hold back after last Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Reading, describing the performance as"terrible".

And the Hull manager hopes his side can rise to the occasion when they host high-flying Boro this weekend.

“It’s a great opportunity for us now with the games coming up. Three good matches. The next one is the important one. We are looking forward to Middlesbrough," said Adkins.

“Boro are good and I watched them against Bolton. They will be a tough nut to crack. They score a lot of goals from set-pieces, which is something we need to improve on. It’s a chance for us to improve as a team.”

Adkins is right to point out Boro's ability from set-plays, with defenders Daniel Ayala and Aden Flint posing a significant threat from corners.

Yet Tony Pulis' side have struggled to take advantage from dead ball situations in recent weeks, and failed to take advantage from 10 corner situations during their goalless draw with Swansea on Saturday.

That will be a concern for Pulis, who has built a robust defensive unit since arriving on Teesside in December last year.

Boro have conceded just three goals in nine Championship games, the lowest in the division by some distance.

However, Boro are also the joint lowest scorers in the top half of the division, despite sitting level on points with league leaders Leeds.

Pulis has been brutally honest, saying his side must be more clinical in front of goal.

George Saville, who joined the club on a season-long loan from Millwall, has added a goal threat from midfield, but the Teessiders still lack a creative spark in the middle of the park.

Pulis will also have a big decision to make regarding who starts up front at the KCOM Stadium, after recalling Britt Assombalonga against Swansea last time out.

Jordan Hugill occupied the lone striker role during the victory over Bolton on September 18, after missing the first part of the season with a muscle injury.