Phil Brown’s side are currently just above the drop zone – three points worse off than Everton - but are unbeaten in their last four games at the KC Stadium.

The return to fitness of Jimmy Bullard has given them a creative spark and Moyes is expecting a much tougher test than in the Carling Cup tie in September.

“Hull didn’t play all their players that night so it will be a difficult game,” he said.

“This is their third home game in a row and our third away game in a row so we are on the back of quite a difficult period. We need a couple of results to get our confidence back.”

Brown admits victory over Stoke and then Saturday’s fightback from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with West Ham have transformed the mood at Hull and he has warned Everton his side are determined to maintain their momentum tonight.

“We will pick a team that is full of renewed confidence and hopefully we can put our best foot forward,” he said.

“The fans have been fantastic and got right behind the team in their hour of need.

“Everton haven’t had the greatest of starts by their standards but they are difficult to play against.

“They are a threat. They are in Europe for a reason and they have a strikeforce that is capable of scoring goals.

“It is going to be a difficult night, no doubt about it.”

Veteran midfielder Nick Barmby also feels there is a positive new vibe at the club.

The 35-year-old has largely been restricted to the role of substitute since being named captain last month but is hoping to return to face his former club tonight.

Barmby said: “There was a bit of negativity but I think it was coming from outside influences.

“It is a tight-knit club, we are a working man’s club. That’s what we needed to get back to and I think we have done that.”

Barmby also has no doubts the squad are keen to play for Brown.

He added: “If results aren’t right the manager pays the ultimate price, everyone knows that in football.

“But everyone is behind the boss if you have seen the last two games.”

Hull will make one enforced change with Bernard Mendy suspended following his sending-off against West Ham.

Paul McShane is likely to replace him at full-back while goalkeeper Boaz Myhill will hope to feature after overcoming a knee injury.

Brown added: “It’s a rearranged game because of Everton’s exploits in Europe.

“In an ideal world I would have liked to have avoided it because three games in seven days puts a little bit of strain on you.”