Watford v Hull preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's Championship clash between Watford and Hull at Vicarage Road.

Watford will again be without Adrian Mariappa, but the influential centre-back is closing in on a return.

Mariappa, 25, has missed the last four weeks with an ankle injury but has now returned to training and is building up his match fitness.

Fringe midfielder Ross Jenkins has also rejoined his team-mates after missing out of late with a groin problem.

Long-term absentee Stephen McGinn (knee) stepped up his recovery for Watford's reserves in midweek, playing his first 90 minutes since making his comeback.

Sean Dyche, with no new injury or suspension concerns to contend with, could well keep faith with the same starting XI who claimed a valuable point at Cardiff on Easter Monday.

Liam Rosenior will return to contention for Hull as they look to keep their play-off hopes alive.

The full-back missed Monday's home win over Middlesbrough after sustaining a head injury in last Friday's defeat at Millwall and manager Nick Barmby must decide whether to recall him to the starting line-up.

James Chester returned to the back four on Monday following a hamstring problem and is expected to continue, but Barmby will be without striker Aaron Mclean and goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Mclean has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury sustained against Boro, while Gulacsi has been recalled from his loan spell by parent club Liverpool.

Skipper Jack Hobbs is out for the season due to knee ligament damage and fellow defender Joe Dudgeon is sidelined with a hamstring strain.

The Tigers trail sixth-placed Cardiff by four points with as many games remaining.