Hull City and Middlesbrough meet at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon with a spot in the 2026–27 Premier League at stake.
Path to the Final
The Tigers were expected to meet Southampton in the Championship playoff final, but the 'Spygate' controversy resulted in the Saints being expelled and replaced by Boro, who they beat 2–1 on aggregate in the semifinals.
Hull City beat Millwall over two legs to reach Wembley, while enduring a wretched end to the season before beating Norwich City on the final day to sneak into the playoffs.
Middlesbrough emerged as contenders throughout the regular season but struggled down the stretch, slipping to fifth place before recovering during the final month.
Match Prediction
Boro to capitalize on momentum
The winner will join Coventry and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season. Hull could become the first team since Blackpool in 2009–10 to win the playoffs after finishing sixth.
Since the playoff final returned to Wembley in 2007, only three victors have won by more than one goal, making fine margins inevitable.
Head-to-head record: Boro have won five of the previous eight meetings against Hull, losing twice. The results were split this season, with the Tigers atoning for a 4–1 home defeat by winning 1–0 at the Riverside after Christmas.
Prediction: Hull 1–2 Middlesbrough
Team News
Hayden Hackney Boost
Boro have won just twice since Hackney suffered a groin injury in March, but the dynamic midfielder is ready to play some part at Wembley. He may not start or play 90 minutes, but his presence will be a major encouragement.
Hackney is Boro's beating heart and was named the Championship's Player of the Season.
Hull Predicted Lineup
The absence of Kyle Joseph could prove a big blow after the forward sustained an injury in the second leg of the semifinal with Millwall.
Oli McBurnie is the player Middlesbrough must contain. The Scot leads the Tigers' scoring charts with 17 goals this season. Joe Gelhardt offers strong support off the bench with 15 goals.
Cody Drameh and Amir Hadžiahmetović are working their way back from injuries and are set to feature in some part in Saturday's final.
Hull Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key forwards: Oli McBurnie, Joe Gelhardt
- Returning players: Cody Drameh, Amir Hadžiahmetović