Super League: Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC preview
Last Updated: 06/09/14 6:48pm
Fifth-placed Huddersfield Giants will be aiming to make it six unbeaten when Hull FC visit the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday.
With just two games of the regular season remaining the Claret and Gold have high hopes of finishing in the top four for the second season in a row.
The Giants will expect to take maximum points against the Black and Whites this weekend before taking on top-of-the-table St Helens in a crunch final fixture next Friday night on home soil.
Head coach Paul Anderson believes the club have destiny is in their own hands, although he is aware his side won't be taking anything for granted.
"Teams within the top six of the Super League table have to play each other and we know we are capable of beating any team in the competition. Therefore, if we win our remaining two games, we finish in the top four. Our destiny is in our own hands," he told the club's official website.
"We will continue to concentrate on what we are in control of and will be looking to execute what we are good at whilst continuing to improve defensively."
Hull beat Huddersfield 30-6 the last time the teams met at the KC Stadium in April and Anderson says the Giants owe it to themselves to put things right this time around.
"In our last game against Hull FC we probably wasn't emotionally right and we owe ourselves one because of that."
Huddersfield have centre Joe Wardle and full-back Jake Connor returning in place of injured duo Leroy Cudjoe and Scott Grix, while second rower Brett Ferres is back after sitting out the draw at Warrington.
High spirits
Fourth from bottom Hull will be seeking their third win in four games and head into the fixture in high spirits following their comprehensive derby day victory over Hull KR for the first time in 57 years last weekend.
Howver, head coach Lee Radford is expecting a backlash from the Giants and also a very physical challenge, but he believes his team have the knowhow to keep their wits about them.
"They are a physical side and have got some players in form like (Brett) Ferres and (David) Faiumu. Antonio Kaufusi also seems to be in a bit of form as well it is going to be difficult."
They are without prop Iafeta Paleaaesina, who damaged a knee in the Hull derby, with Dean Hadley set to take his place on the bench in the only change made by coach Radford.
Huddersfield (from): McGillvary, Wardle, Murphy, Brough, Robinson, Crabtree, Lunt, Kopczak, Ferres, Bailey, Lawrence, Patrick, Faiumu, Ta'ai, Broughton, Kaufusi, Mullally, Fairbank, Connor.
Hull (from): Bowden, Colbon, Cunningham, Ellis, Green, Hadley, Heremaia, Horne, Houghton, Lineham, Paea, Rankin, Sa, Shaul, Talanoa, Thompson, Watts, Westerman, Yeaman.