Hull City vs Middlesbrough Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds

The hosts will be looking to add three points and push towards a safer position.

Hull City will face a daunting challenge as they welcome Middlesbrough to the MKM Stadium for a crucial EFL Championship clash on January 1st, 2025.

Sitting 21st in the league, Hull desperately need points to escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough hold a playoff promotion spot in 6th, aiming to solidify their position as the season nears its midway point.

With both teams needing a result, the stakes are sky-high for this New Year’s Day showdown. The match could hinge on the tactical battle between the managers, as the Tigers fight for survival and Boro eye promotion glory.

Kick-off

Wednesday, January 1st, 5:30 pm UK (11 p.m. IST)

Location: MKM Stadium

Form

Hull City (in the Championship): D-L-W-L-W

Middlesbrough (in the Championship): L-W-D-D-D

Players to watch

Ryan Longman (Hull City)

A sigh of relief for Hull’s own, Longy. The 24-year-old winger is back on the score sheet as he sealed the deal for the Tigers scoring match’s sole game-winning goal off the bench. His tenacity was on show during the 30 minutes he was on the pitch. Expect him to start and give problems to the Boro defence.

Longy’s loving it! 🙌#hcafc pic.twitter.com/hXHBKhXdXh

— Hull City (@HullCity) December 29, 2024

Ben Doak (Middlesbrough)

Liverpool‘s young loanee is showing why he is the next big thing. Ben Doak put Gvardiol on skates in the international match and is shining in the Championship with two goals and five assists. His pace and dazzling footwork are one to watch for whenever Middlesbrough are playing.

A second goal of the season for Ben Doak yesterday 🥅Here is the Boxing Day action from the Riverside 📹👇

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) December 27, 2024

Match facts

• Hull City have two wins in the last three games
• Middlesbrough are on a three-game stalemate streak
• The Tigers have conceded 32 goals so far, while Boro have scored 31 goals

Hull City vs. Middlesbrough: Betting tips & odds

• Tip 1: Middlesbrough to win- 23/20 Skybet
• Tip 2: Doak to score- 4/1 bet365
• Tip 3: Over 2 goals- 10/11 Star Sports

Injury & team news

Hull City enter the match with an injury list that could challenge their depth. Key players like Mohamed Belloumi and Liam Millar are out with long-term cruciate ligament injuries, sidelined until mid and early July, respectively. Additionally, Andrew Smith, Dogukan Sinik, Carl Rushworth, and Harvey Cartwright are expected back in mid or early January, while Kasey Palmer remains unavailable until late February. Thimothee Lo-Tutala’s status also raises concerns for the Tigers.

Middlesbrough face their share of fitness woes, with several players on the treatment table. Aidan Morris and Alex Bangura are nursing injuries that keep them out until mid-January, while Darragh Lenihan, Luke Ayling, Tommy Smith, and Solomon Brynn are hopeful for returns by early or mid-January. Seny Dieng also faces a spell out with a muscle injury, while Tommy Conway’s knock might keep him sidelined for just a few days. Both teams will need their squad depth to navigate this critical encounter.

Head-to-head

Matches: 24

Hull City: 9

Middlesbrough: 11

Draws: 4

Predicted lineups

Hull City (4-3-3)

Pandur; Drameh, Jones, McLoughlin, Jacob; Slater, Simons, Puerta; Kamara, Pedro, Longman

Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1)

Glover; Dijksteel, Fry, Edmundson, Borges; Hackney, Barlaser; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Latte Lath

Match prediction

Bookmakers and experts are favouring Middlesbrough. But do not take anything away from the home advantage. Hull’s defence will have to be sharp to contain attacking threats. We expect the home side to give a fight, but end up losing the game.

Prediction: Hull 1 – 2 Middlesbrough

Telecast

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports Football

US – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+

Nigeria – No Telecast

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