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Hull City will take on Middlesbrough on Saturday, 23 May, in a Championship playoff final like none other in history.
Following the conclusion of the semi-finals more than a week ago, the two teams scheduled for the final were Hull City and Southampton. However, following ‘spygate', the Saints have been replaced in the final by Boro.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hull City vs Middlesbrough key stats
- Middlesbrough have won three of their last four matches against Hull.
- Hull have won just two of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of the last five Championship playoff finals.
Hull City vs Middlesbrough preview: Controversy awaits
Hull City vs Middlesbrough — Tale of the Tape
| Hull City | vs | Middlesbrough |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Position | 5th |
| 73 | Points | 80 |
| 70 | Goals For | 72 |
| 66 | Goals Against | 47 |
| 13 | Clean Sheets | 14 |
The EFL could be in for an uncomfortable afternoon on Saturday, and the powers that be will be bracing themselves for legal action if Middlesbrough overcome Hull City after initially being eliminated from the playoff.
Boro come into the match as favourites, too, after finishing seven points ahead of Hull City after 46 matches, and Kim Hellberg's side will approach the match with a nothing-to-lose attitude given the circumstances that have landed them at Wembley.
In fairness, their performances over the two legs against Southampton were good enough to see them qualify for the final in a more legitimate way. They had 40 shots to Southampton's 26 and created more xG, so Hellberg will be quite pleased with where his team is at.
In terms of injuries, Hayden Hackney is reportedly ready to start the match after returning to training. The midfielder, who won the Championship Player of the Season award, will provide a huge boost to Boro's chances of winning the match.
In worse news, Tommy Conway has been ruled out after picking up an ankle injury against Southampton, while Alex Bangura is a doubt.
As for Hull City, it's easy to understand why they are uncomfortable with the cards they have been dealt.
After coming through their two legs with Millwall, the Tigers will have been preparing for a final against Southampton, only to be told this week that it is Middlesbrough that they will now be facing. Reports indicate that Hull will take legal action if they fail to win on Saturday.
Aside from that, the Tigers should be proud of what they have already achieved this season. Before a ball was kicked, they were among the teams tipped to be involved in the relegation battle, so to reach the playoff final is a major overachievement from Sergej Jakirovic and his players.
After a ropey end to the season, they performed admirably against Millwall in the semi-finals, particularly at the Den, where they ran out as 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Mohamed Belloumi and Josh Gelhardt.
For the final, Jakirovic will be without the injured trio of Kyle Joseph, Eliot Matazo and Toby Collyer.
Hull City vs Middlesbrough form guide & betting tips
| Hull City | vs | Middlesbrough |
|---|---|---|
DLWDW |
Form | WWDDD |
| 8 | Points | 8 |
| 11th | Form Table | 9th |
| 7/td> | Goals For | 9 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 5 |
DLWDW |
Form (All Comps) | WWDDD |
Whispers predicts: Hull City 0-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finished the season in better form than Hull City, while they have done far better in recent H2HS. Middlesbrough to win the match has been priced at 5/6.
Fewer than three goals were scored in 90 minutes in all four Championship playoff semi-finals this season. Under 2.5 goals has been priced at 8/11.
Morgan Whittaker has scored 14 league goals for Middlesbrough this season. Whittaker is priced at 19/10 to score anytime on Saturday.
> Middlesbrough to win at 5/6 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 8/11 | Likelihood: Probable
> Morgan Whittaker to score anytime at 19/10 | Likelihood: Possible