Hull City boss Steve Bruce believes tonight's clash with Aston Villa is the one of the most important of his tenure at the club.
The Tigers, who sit 18th on the table, host 16th-placed Villa at the KC Stadium and are in desperate need of victory after losing three of their past four Premier League outings.
Ahead of the clash, which kicks off at 7:45 GMT tonight, Bruce suggested that this fixture was one of the more vital encounters he would have to endure with the Humberside club as he strives to keep the Tigers in the top flight.
"It's arguably one of the biggest games I've had since I've been here," said Bruce.
"For a start it will take us out of the bottom three and we have to get out of there. We have to reel in the teams who are four points above us.
"A win would be huge. With (second-bottom) QPR coming up (on Saturday) as well, they're two huge games.
"It's a pivotal part of the season. The period that will ultimately define our season is upon us now."
