Hull defender Michael Dawson keeps his place

Hull head coach Nigel Adkins has confirmed he will stick with Michael Dawson for the home game against Aston Villa.

The City captain received criticism for his performance in the 3-0 defeat at Birmingham before the international break but Adkins has vowed to keep the defender in his starting line-up on Saturday.

Hull had 10 players away with their countries and Adkins will assess them all before finalising his plans.

Moses Odubajo, Stephen Kingsley and Evandro are still not fit while James Weir remains a long-term absentee.

Villa have players returning from injury as they look to get their promotion challenge back on track.

Alan Hutton (hamstring), Neil Taylor (groin) and Axel Tuanzebe (hamstring) missed the defeat at Bolton but all three have been involved in training this week.

Glenn Whelan has been struggling with a calf injury and Villa boss Steve Bruce, who returns to his old club, will have a better idea about the midfielder’s fitness on Friday.

Winger Andre Green (hamstring) is nearing a return while Jonathan Kodjia is back in training after his lengthy absence. Bruce will err on the side of caution with the striker but there is a good chance he will be involved again soon.