Steve Bruce's charges have prospered after returning to the Premier League, collecting 23 points from 20 matches to sit 10th in the table.
However, Hull can expect a stern challenge from a Middlesbrough side who have looked revitalised in the last month under Aitor Karanka.
Middlesbrough head into this weekend's game unbeaten in four league games, having won three in a row prior to surrendering a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers on New Year's Day.
Although Karanka's men sit 15th in the Championship, they are only six points adrift of the play-off positions.
Bruce was keen to rest players for the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on New Year's Day, which capped a hectic end-of-year schedule, but acknowledges he simply does not have the necessary depth in his squad.
"You ask yourself whether you could have freshened it up and made five or six changes but we've not got that luxury yet," he said.
"We can't afford to do it. Overall, the squad and their attitude is great."
