The 2026 EFL Championship Play-Off Final Will Officially Be Contested By Hull And Middlesbrough
Wembley Stadium | EFL Championship Final | Saturday May 23 | 3:30pm
Ahead of Saturday’s eagerly anticipated EFL Championship final, BetVictor News brings you the in-depth Hull vs Middlesbrough preview – including score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Hull vs Middlesbrough prediction: Boro bounce back to the big time
- Bet on the EFL Championship final with BetVictor
Hull Vs Middlesbrough Preview
Although the Hull vs Middlesbrough odds imply the latter will return to the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, the build up to this game has been well and truly tarnished by the ‘Spygate’ scandal. And Southampton certainly felt the wrath of the EFL.
Their expulsion and four-point deduction means Boro are given a second bite at the cherry. And if they are to take it, it is set to open up a whole new can of worms. After Kim Hellberg’s side lost to the Saints in the semis, the Tigers believe that losing out to promotion to a side who had already lost puts the game back into disrepute.
The Yorkshiremen feel that they should be automatically promoted. Whether you agree on that or not, you can see where they are coming from. Nonetheless, the match itself will take place and there is the small matter of an extra £220million in revenue up for grabs to the victor.
Hull Vs Middlesbrough H2H Record
When it comes to the overall Hull vs Middlesbrough H2H record, the Teesiders come out on top. They have won 35 times compared to the Tigers 23. In recent clashes, Boro have won three of the last six with Hull boasting two wins.
This season, Middlesbrough recorded a fine 4-1 win at the MKM Stadium but slipped to a 1-0 defeat on home turf.
Hull vs Middlesbrough H2H record in all comps:
Hull wins – 23
Draws – 20
Middlesbrough wins – 35
Hull Vs Middlesbrough Team News
Hull striker Oli McBurnie will be the most likely source of success from the Tigers perspective. The Scot – who was surprisingly left out of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad – fired home 17 goals and provided seven assists in the regular season.
Which is something to consider when it comes to EFL Championship final betting on BetVictor’s Hull vs Middlesbrough betting markets. As for Middlesbrough, much of their hope will be pinned on forward Morgan Whittaker. He scored 14 league goals and also provided seven assists this term.
Elsewhere, Joe Gelhardt and Hayden Hackney (if passed fit) will also be instrumental to their team’s chances. Only the injury front, Kyle Joseph is a doubt for Hull whereas Tommy Conway is definitely out for Boro.
Hull’s last six in all comps:
WDWLDD
Middlesbrough’s last six in all comps:
LDDWWD
Hull VCs Middlesbrough Predicted Lineups
Hull City predicted lineup:
Pandur; Hughes, Egan, Ayari; Coyle, Slater, Crooks, Giles; Belloumi, Millar; McBurnie
Middlesbrough predicted lineup:
Brynn; Ayling, Malanda, Fry; Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett; McGree, Whittaker; Strelec
Hull Vs Middlesbrough TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Hull vs Middlesbrough is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports UHD. Live streaming is available via the Sky Go app, Sky Sports app, Virgin TV Go or via a NOW sports membership. Coverage will begin at 2:30pm ahead of a 3:30pm kick-off. Supporters can also tune in on BBC Radio Humberside, BBC Radio Tees and talkSPORT 2.
*A valid TV license and Sky Sports subscription is required to watch live in the UK
Hull Vs Middlesbrough Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Hull last appeared in the EFL Championship final in 2016 (beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0)
- Middlesbrough last appeared in the EFL Championship final in 2015 (lost 2-0 to Norwich)
- Both sides have beaten each other on the road this season
Top Betting Angles for Hull Vs Middlesbrough
Under 2.5 goals: Middlesbrough’s last seven play-off games have all featured under 2.5 goals inside 90 minutes. Available at 3/4.
BTTS (No): Has come in across two of their last three H2H meetings. Online at 5/6
Anytime goalscorers: Oli McBurnie (29/10), David Strelec (17/10), Morgan Whittaker (15/8) and Joe Gelhardt (29/10) all offer potential.
Hull Vs Middlesbrough Prediction
Both sides head into the clash having not entertained the ideal preparation. Hull were plotting for Southampton and Middlesbrough only found out they would be replacing the Saints on Tuesday. Nonetheless, we feel that Boro are worth backing at Wembley.
The Tigers do have a great attacking duo in the form of Oli McBurnie and Joe Gelhardt, but we think Kim Hellberg’s side will deal with the threat and hurt the Sergej Jakirovic’s men at the back.
Prediction: Hull 0-2 Middlesbrough
If you intend to bet on Hull vs Middlesbrough then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 11am May 21, 2026.
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