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The territory to be won must be on the horizon for Hull City if it still hopes for a late restart of the playoffs.
Their unbelievable unbeaten 10 games in December and January propelled Nigel Adkins' team into the last three and most unlikely series.
However, their form stuttered last month with only one win since the 3-0 home win against Sheffield on Wednesday in mid-January.
Three points in Saturday's Brentford, combined with results going elsewhere, could narrow the gap once again, but opportunities are slowly depleting.
Here we examine three of the key battles that the city has to overcome to win a victory in Griffin Park.
Said Benrahma vs. Todd Kane
After a rare break in the 2-2 draw with Rotherham United in the last defeat, Todd Kane will be the favorite of many people to line up at the right back this weekend.
The defender's pace will likely put him ahead of Eric Lichaj, while Nigel Adkins discovers how to deal with the delicate winger Said Benrahma.
The 23-year-old former Nice winger has scored five times this season, but he's helping the mighty Neal Maupay who could make the difference.
Benrahma has recorded 10 of 27 entries so far and is a constant threat to Brentford's left side.
Moses Odubajo against Jarrod Bowen
(Image: FC Brentford)
The usual left-back Rico Henry being missing again for Brentford, the former City man, Moses Odubajo, should be a substitute on the left.
Odubajo has shown versatility under Thomas Frank this season and played that role in the FA Cup defeat last Sunday in Swansea.
However, fighting for Odubajo will not be more difficult than against City's 16-goal forward Jarrod Bowen.
His ability to cut in and shoot from a distance is unquestionable, but the presence of Odubajo could be a failure for the city's citizen.
While the former City defenseman may have a less familiar position, being a natural right foot may be a blessing in disguise when you try to follow Bowen's tracks.
Romaine Sawyers vs. Markus Henriksen
(Image: Getty)
He is not a known scorer, but Brentford's offensive prowess is based on their ability to move the ball quickly and exploit their opportunities.
Romaine Sawyers is the platform from which the likes of Benrahma and Maupay earn their rewards.
He has five badists this season, but is the main source of supply for advanced players.
Unlike Burke and Kane, the skipper of City has played his full role against Rotherham and is expected to play a bigger role on Saturday as he will try to get out without the injured duo Kevin Stewart and Dan Batty.
The midfielder had more than a few skeptics in his day, but he came out on the other side as a fan favorite, as well as Adkins' key center wheel.
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