Hull City vs Middlesbrough EFL Play-offs Final Lineups, Score, Predictions and Head-to-Head Stats

Hull City will face Middlesbrough in the 2026 EFL Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with a place in the Premier League on the line.

The match has gained even more attention after the Southampton 'spygate' controversy, which led to the Saints being expelled from the play-offs and Middlesbrough being reinstated for the final.

Southampton were accused of breaching EFL rules after a staff member allegedly spied on Middlesbrough training sessions ahead of the semi-final tie earlier this month.

The club appealed against the punishment, but the appeal was dismissed this week, officially confirming Middlesbrough's place in the final against Hull City.

Hull head into the game with confidence after finishing the season strongly, while Middlesbrough have had to deal with a difficult and emotional few days following the controversy.

Boro manager Kim Hellberg admitted the uncertainty around the situation made it hard for his players to fully focus on training ahead of the final.

Hull City vs Middlesbrough Expected Lineups

Middlesbrough

• Goalkeeper: Brynn
• Defenders: Ayling, Malanda, Fry
• Midfielders: Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett, McGree, Whittaker
• Forward: Strelec

Hull City

• Goalkeeper: Pandur
• Defenders: Hughes, Egan, Ayari
• Midfielders: Coyle, Slater, Crooks, Giles, Belloumi, Millar
• Forward: McBurnie

Hull City vs Middlesbrough Score Prediction

The final is expected to be a very close battle between two strong Championship sides. Hull City have been solid defensively in recent weeks, while Middlesbrough carry more attacking threat going forward.

Final Prediction: Hull City 1-2 Middlesbrough

Hull City vs Middlesbrough Head-to-Head Stats

Hull and Middlesbrough have played 31 matches across all competitions since 2007. Middlesbrough holds the head-to-head advantage with 15 wins to Hull's 11, alongside 5 draws.

In their 2025-26 EFL Championship campaign, both teams won their respective away fixtures against each other.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 4:30 AM.