The stage is all set for the Championship playoff final as Hull City and Middlesbrough battle it out at Wembley for a chance at promotion to the English topflight.
In what is dubbed ‘the most expensive game in football’, both sides are keen to end their long stays away from the English Premier League.
Hull City, who were relegated in the 2015/16 season, were initially meant to play against Southampton in Saturday’s final but the latter were kicked out after a spying scandal. The Saints were found guilty of spying on three teams during the 2025/26 Championship season.
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Following their exit, Middlesbrough were fortunate to be brought into the final after a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the semis. Hull on the other hand were 2-0 winners against Millwall over two legs to book their place in the final.
Hull have history with the Championship playoff final, winning both in 2008 and 2016. They are looking to become the first time to finish sixth and earn promotion since Blackpool in 2009/10.
With a place in the Premier League on the line, we can expect an enthralling game and we give our predicted outcome here.
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5.0/5
What time does Hull vs Middlesbrough start?
The game kicks off at 5:30PM E.A.T at Wembley
Hull vs Middlesbrough team news
Ollie McBurnie provides the biggest threat in front of goal for Hull after 24 G/A this season. He will start up front for Hull as well as Liam Millar and Joe Gelhardt providing support.
Matt Crooks and Reagan Slater are also expected to start in the midfield roles.
There are no changes expected from the side that started in the 2-0 win against Millwall last time out.
For Boro, David Strelec will lead the attacking line, supported by Morgan Whittaker and Jeremy Sarmiento.
Riley McGree has also scored six goals for Boro this season and will start, while talisman Tommy Conway remains sidelined with injury.
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Hull vs Middlesbrough head-to-head and current form
There is nothing separating these two teams in terms of form ahead of this momentous clash. Both have won twice, shared the spoils in another two and lost one of their last five matches in all competitions.
Boro have been superior in recent head-to-head encounters, winning three of the last five games. They have only lost to Hull once in that duration.
Hull won 1-0 the last time they met in December 2025, courtesy of a Darko Gyabi effort.
Current form:
Hull – WDWLD
Middlesbrough – LDDWW
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5.0/5
Hull vs Middlesbrough previous games
- Boro 0-1 Hull (December 29, 2025)
- Hull 1-4 Boro (December 5, 2025)
- Hull 0-1 Boro (January 1, 2025)
- Boro 3-1 Hull (November 30, 2024)
- Hull 2-2 Boro (April 10, 2024)
Hull vs Middlesbrough prediction
With the pressure that comes with this game, we can expect a rather cagey encounter with both teams happy to sit back and hit on the counter.
This may open up both defenses and allow a couple of goals. Hull are the slight favorites and could edge the encounter on the day.
Prediction – Both teams to score
