Hull City''s emphatic 3-0 win at Sheffield United on Friday night captured the imagination in what was their most impressive display of the season. It was probably their best display since the victory away at Southampton last February.

Such was the controlled nature of a vibrant away performance, City rarely looked in much danger against a Blades side with just one home defeat in 13 so far this season, and one that had conceded just five goals in that time.

It was City's third away win on the spin and third clean sheet in that impressive run, which breathed fresh life into their bid to escape the clutches of the Championship's relegation battle.

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Attention now turns to trying to find a way to replicate their success on the road at home, something that has eluded every City team since winning promotion back to the Championship four years ago.

City have 17 games left, with eight of those coming in front of their own fans, including four against opposition directly involved in the battle at the bottom. It's ordinarily a set of fixtures that would offer major hope and opportunity to pick up valuable points, but the problem is, their home form this season has been ghastly.

Just two wins all season in 15 home league games is pitiful, it really is, but it's a historic issue that Ruben Selles continues to battle against, but one he must correct in the next few weeks, starting on Saturday when Stoke City arrive.

The Potters are a place below City after their goalless draw against rejuvenated Oxford United on Saturday and, for what it's worth, have won their last three visits to the MKM Stadium, but then, so have most teams in the second tier, so bad have the Tigers been on their own patch.

Between now and the end of the season, Selles' side will also host Norwich City, Oxford United, Coventry City and Preston North End, but it's the four against those around them that perhaps hold the greatest significance and opportunity given the context of the current standings.

Naturally, City still have 14 other games to contend with - including away trips to Cardiff City and that final day showdown at Portsmouth. But given the current predicament they find themselves in, these four, as it stands right now, present them with a major opportunity to take points off those teams directly battling the Tigers for a place in next season's Championship which is the golden ticket.

Selles will rightly say you don't get any more points for beating those around you, and given how competitive his team have been since his arrival, he will fancy his chances elsewhere, but it's hard to get away from the fact these four home fixtures are absolutely crucial.

Stoke City - February 1

The Potters are level on points with City but below them on goal difference, such was the importance of the three goals the Tigers scored without reply at Bramall Lane. Mark Robins remains without a win as manager, and the Potters have not travelled well this season, with only two wins and eight defeats from their 14 away trips, scoring just eight goals. They have, however, won their last three at the MKM Stadium for those who place any relevance in such historical stats. As must-win games go, this is right up there.

Plymouth Argyle - March 1

It feels like Argyle are beginning to get cut adrift at the foot of the table, and while their battling 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Saturday was a big result in isolation, they remain seven points from safety and with a vastly inferior goal difference, which effectively makes it eight. Wins, not draws, will only help the Pilgrims close the gap.

Luton Town - March 29

The Hatters are in freefall and are facing up to the prospect of a second successive relegation. Saturday's 1-0 home loss to Millwall was a must-not-lose occasion for a side hardly in the best form themselves. New boss Matt Bloomfield has failed to spark a recovery. Five defeats and a draw in their last six leaves Town second bottom and three points adrift of safety. Away from home, they've mustered just one league win all season, having collected a dismal four points from their 14 games on the road, losing 12 - the most in the league.

Derby County - April 26

After a bright start following promotion from League One, the Rams are in freefall, and their 2-1 defeat in the six-pointer at Cardiff City on Saturday was their seventh in a row. City's victory on Friday night plunged Derby into the relegation zone for the first time since the opening night of the season when they were thumped at Blackburn Rovers. Pressure is mounting on Paul Warne, who has had the backing of owner David Clowes, but given their form and need to survive, his hand may be forced long before the final home outing of City's campaign.

How many points do you think City will collect from the big four? Have your say in the comments below...