Hull are a hard team to beat and 11 of the previous 13 Championship play-off finals have gone under 2.5 goals. Middlesbrough got into the final in strange fashion, a tight tussle on the cards at Wembley.
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Middlesbrough lead Hull 35-23 alongside 20 draws. The last clash came in December, Darko Gyabi firing Hull to a 1-0 win at the Riverside Stadium.
Hull Sneak Into the Play-Offs
Hull got into the play-offs in dramatic fashion following a 2-1 win against Norwich. After falling behind at home, Oliver McBurnie scored twice to snatch sixth spot on the table.
The Tigers managed just one shot on target in the semi-final first leg against Millwall. They ended the contest with 0.46-0.60 xG, neither team complaining with the 0-0 draw.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side went to the Den and deservedly beat Millwall 2-0 to reach the final. Mohamed Belloumi opened the scoring and assisted Joe Gelhardt, Hull enjoying 2.12-0.87 xG on just 33% possession.
Middlesbrough Surprise Finalists
Middlesbrough ended the regular season with a 2-2 draw at Wrexham. It was an entertaining clash that kept the Welsh side out of the play-offs at the expense of Hull.
Kim Hellberg’s side failed to take their chances against Southampton in the semi-final first leg. They had 21-6 shots and 1.82-0.58, unable to find the net in a 0-0 draw.
The Boro went to St. Mary's Stadium where Riley McGree opened the scoring in the 5th minute. The tie went to extra time where they lost 2-1, the Saints then expelled for spying.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Hull (3-4-2-1) Ivor Pandur; Semi Ajayi, John Egan, Charlie Hughes; Lewie Coyle, Regan Slater, Matt Crooks, Ryan Giles; Mohamed Belloumi, Liam Millar; Oliver McBurnie
Kyle Joseph is set to miss out for Hull with Mohamed Belloumi to come into the starting side. Midfielders Amir Hadziahmetovic, Eliot Matazo and Darko Gyabi are injured.
Middlesbrough (3-4-3) Sol Brynn; Luke Ayling, Dael Fry, Adilson Malanda; Callum Brittain, Aidan Morris, Riley McGree, Matt Targett; Morgan Whittaker, David Strelec, Jeremy Sarmiento
Centre-backs Darragh Lenihan and Alfie Jones are out with ankle injuries. Hayden Hackney could be available but Tommy Conway is set to miss out.