Bury vs Hull City preview: Steve Bruce's balancing act with promotion hopefuls

A look ahead to this weekend's FA Cup fourth-round clash

Hull manager Steve Bruce (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…
Steve Bruce: As the season draws on Steve Bruce faces a difficult balancing act in the next few months. Hull are first in the Championship and one win away from progressing into the fifth round. Bruce will be focusing on being promoted at the end of the year, but the allure of another piece of silverware at the end of the year- the same piece of silverware which he came to close to winning over holders Arsenal- could  prove very tempting.

Best stat…
7- Bury are unbeaten in their last seven FA Cup home ties.

Remember when…
Hull striker Jason Price scored the first, and set up the second for Ben Burgess, securing a 2-0 for Hull during their days in League 2.

Player to watch…
Leon Clare: Bury’s sharpshooter has scored 16 goals in 28 appearances this year. Although the forward failed to score against Crewe on Tuesday night, he has been one of the best players for the Lancashire club. Clarke will be looking to score his third goal in the FA cup as Bruce will be making many changes in order to concentrate on the league.

Past three-meetings…
Hull City 2 Bury 0, League 2, December 2003; Bury 0 Hull City 0, League 2, October 2003; Bury1 Hull City 0, League 2, January 2003

Form guide…
Bury: LLDLWW
Hull: LWWWWW

Vital information…
Kick-off time: 3.00pm
TV: Highlights on BBC1