Overview
Hull City and Middlesbrough will enter the Championship play-off final at Wembley with the same goal: to win the last ticket to play in the Premier League. But before reaching this match worth hundreds of millions of pounds, both teams have gone through turbulent journeys.
Middlesbrough was actually eliminated in the semi-finals after a 1-2 defeat to Southampton. However, everything changed completely after Southampton was defeated and eliminated from the tournament for secretly filming Boro's secret training session before the first leg. This is considered one of the controversial and unprecedented decisions in Championship history.
Meanwhile, Hull City also experienced a chaotic season in their own way. From the situation of having to stay in the league thanks to last season's goal difference to the transfer ban in the 2025-2026 season, few people believe that "The Tigers" can get so close to the Premier League.
Under Sergej Jakirovic, Hull is facing the opportunity to return to the highest league in England for the first time since the 2016-2017 season. If successful, they will become the first team to rank sixth in the Championship but still win promotion since Blackpool in the 2009-2010 season.
The biggest difference factor for Hull in the play-offs was Mohamed Belloumi. The Algerian winger shone in the semi-finals when he scored a goal and assisted Joe Gelhardt in the 2-0 victory in the second leg.
Besides, Oliver McBurnie continues to be the leader of Hull's attack. The Scottish striker has directly participated in 24 goals this season (17 goals, 7 assists), only behind Zan Vipotnik in the entire Championship.
However, Hull's biggest weakness lies in the defense. Jakirovic's team has the second highest expected conceded goal rating (xGA) in the league with 80.2 - only lower than the bottom team Sheffield Wednesday. Hull is also in the group of teams that let opponents shoot the most in this season's Championship.
That could be an opportunity for Middlesbrough's attack, especially Morgan Whittaker - who has participated in 21 goals this season with 14 goals and 7 assists.
However, Middlesbrough entered the match with no small worries about the force. Tommy Conway is definitely absent due to an ankle injury, and captain Hayden Hackney still has to race against time to return in time after a calf injury that lasted from March.
Hull City also does not have the best squad. Eliot Matazo and Kyle Joseph are definitely sidelined, while Cody Dramah, Toby Collyer and Amir Hadziahmetovic still need to be further assessed for their fitness.
Head-to-head record
Hull City may have been looking forward to a rematch with Southampton more, especially since they have defeated this opponent in both Championship encounters this season. However, after the controversial ruling, "The Tigers" will have to prepare for a completely different challenge called Middlesbrough.
Kim Hellberg's team once won big against Hull 4-1 right at MKM stadium in early December. However, Hull avenged their debt just a few weeks later with a 1-0 victory at Riverside.
A noteworthy detail is that this will be the first time in the history of Championship play-off finals that two coaches are both experiencing their first season working in England.
Score prediction: Hull City 1-2 Middlesbrough
The match between Hull City and Middlesbrough takes place at 9:30 PM on May 23rd (Vietnam time).
