Thomas Christiansen’s side briefly topped the Championship table in the early weeks of the season but a nightmare run of results saw them slip out of contention.
But they have recovered in recent weeks and are up to seventh, one point behind Sheffield United, who occupy the final play-off spot.
The Blades face fifth-placed Aston Villa tomorrow evening (5.30pm) so a win for Leeds against Hull at Elland Road guarantees they will climb the table.
Former Whites midfielder Prutton said: “Three points for Leeds will lift them back into the play-off places this weekend, which is a great achievement considering how bad their form was a few weeks ago.”
Hull have one win and one defeat since appointing Nigel Adkins as Leonid Slutsky’s replacement.
The Tigers lost 1-0 at promotion contenders Cardiff last weekend and Prutton expects an identical result.
“The defeat at Cardiff last weekend was a bit of a bump back down to earth for Nigel Adkins following the victory in his first game and to be honest I think it will be a similar result for them on Saturday,” he told Sky Sports.
Leeds will definitely be without striker Caleb Ekuban, who faces six weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury.
Hull have a number of injuries to first-team regulars including striker Fraizer Campbell and midfielder David Meyler.