IT IS 25 years to the day since Liverpool last won the title. On 28 April, 1990, the Reds claimed a 2-1 home win over QPR (with goals from Ian Rush and John Barnes) to clinch the First Division under Kenny Dalglish.

Quarter of a century on, it is sad to say the club are no closer to adding a 19th championship and a first Premier League to the trophy cabinet.

After last season’s second-place finish, they have struggled without the goals of Luis Suarez, now of Barcelona, and the injury-prone Daniel Sturridge this term, while summer signings such as Mario Balotelli, Dejan Lovren, Rickie Lambert and Lazar Markovic have been unable to improve the squad thus far.

Currently fifth in the table, level on points with Tottenham and seven off Man United with a game in-hand, Liverpool travel to Hull City tonight with Champions League qualification still mathematically possible, however.

The Tigers, meanwhile, are a single point above the relegation zone and, with Arsenal, Tottenham and Man United to come in their final four games, Steve Bruce’s men desperately need to add to the 31 points they have acquired.

The big team news for the visitors is that Steven Gerrard is not included in the match day squad so Joe Allen is in, while Mario Balotelli continues up front.

Hull field the same team that earned an excellent 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday meaning Irish trio Robbie Brady, Paul McShane and Stephen Quinn all start.

Hull: Harper, Chester, Huddlestone, Brady, Livermore, McShane, Dawson, Aluko, Elmohamady, N’Doye, Quinn.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Lovren, Johnson, Allen, Henderson, Ibe, Sterling, Coutinho, Balotelli.

Predictions, get them in now…

Here come the two teams.

We’re underway. Hull launch the ball forward immediately and Martin Skrtel has to clear under pressure from Jake Livermore.

Tom Huddlestone catches Balotelli late and the Italian shoves his opponent in anger. It’s a free-kick to Liverpool in a dangerous area.

It’s Balotelli to take. His curling strike clips McShane and goes behind for a corner, which results in a free-kick to Hull for pushing in the box.

Robbie Brady has again started at left wing back, Ireland fans might be interested to know.

Hull’s turn to test from a free. Brady whips the ball towards N’Doye but it is headed clear. The ball is kept in play and Aluko’s crosses finds the head of N’Doye. The striker’s effort is straight at Simon Mignolet, however.

Coutinho makes some space for himself with a smart turn and threads through Johnson. He attempts to cross with outside of his right foot and sends it straight into the hands of Harper.

Having bought tickets, many Liverpool fans have stayed away tonight in protest of ticket prices. A shot of the crowd shows rows of empty seats in the away section.

Ibe takes on Brady and gets to the end line but his cut-back is put behind for a corner. From the set-piece, Henderson plays it to Coutinho, who has peeled off to the front post to connect well and force Harper into a good stop.

Sterling goes past Chester and squares to Balotelli, who takes the ball facing away from goal and opts to back-heel at goal. Harper isn’t troubled.

Great chance for Hull! Brady skips past Can and puts a ball into the danger area. Mignolet bats clear and Livermore’s follow-up effort is headed away.

Dawson catches Henderson with his studs the midfielder looks in pain. No foul given.

GOAL! Hull 1-0 Liverpool (Michael Dawson) 

The home side go in front. Brady’s corner is initially cleared and Elmohamady puts it back into the six-yard box, where Dawson powers a header into the back of the net.

Balotelli appears to have played the defender onside.

Jake Livermore has been booked for a bad foul.

Liverpool look to respond and Ibe crosses for Henderson. His strike is saved.

Half-time: Hull 1-0 Liverpool 

Johnson bombs down the left flank and puts the ball across the goalmouth but no Liverpool player is able to get a touch. That’s the last action of the half.

Empty Liverpool seats at the KC Stadium.

Martin Rickett Martin Rickett

An impressice first half from Robbie Brady and Stephen Quinn, who have had joy combining on the left wing.

The second half has just kicked off. No changes on either side to report.

Strangely, Aluko has started the second half wearing ’9 – Abel Hernandez’ on his back. Referee Lee Probert spots it and sends the player off to retrieve his rightful jersey.

Aluko is fouled and Brady whips the ball towards the penalty area. Mignolet punches clear but takes out Lovren and N’Doye in the process.

More brilliance Aluko, who shows great ability to go by a couple of challenges and win another free-kick. The Nigerian international has been impressive at times tonight.

Great save from Steven Harper! Coutinho picks out Henderson, who chests and volleys at goal on the turn. The Tigers ‘keeper gets down well to push the ball around the post.

Liverpool make two changes. Ibe and Balotelli are off in place of Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

Another disappointing night for ‘Super Mario’.

This isn’t looking good for the away side at the moment. Hull attack and Skrtel makes an important header to clear a goalward effort.

Meanwhile, Lovren has picked up a knock and is leaving the field. Lazar Markovic will take his place.

I doubt Liverpool fans will be too worried but the camera has just turned to Balotelli with an ice bag on his foot.

Liverpool probing with Couthinho at the heart of the attack. The Brazilian offloads to Sterling, who drives a shot down the throat of Harper.

Stephen Quinn limps off while fans show their appreciation. Gaston Ramirez is on for the Dubliner.

An excellently-timed challenge from Brady denies Markovic a shooting chance.

Aluko has just made way for the manager’s son, Alex Bruce, who will presumably sit in front of the back four for the final minutes.

N’Doye looks to run down the clock by stalling while being substituted but Henderson tells him to pick up the pace as the clock strikes 90 minutes. Five more to play.

Full-time: Hull 1-0 Liverpool