Middlesbrough vs Hull City: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Middlesbrough vs Hull City in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 19:45 GMT match.

• Fixture: Middlesbrough vs Hull City
• Date: Monday, 29 December 2025
• Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
• Venue: Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough come into this match with a strong recent record, having won three of their last five games, including a convincing 4-1 victory over Hull City in their most recent encounter. With a predicted lineup that mirrors their successful 4-2-2-2 formation against Blackburn, Middlesbrough should feel confident in their attacking options, particularly with the likes of Conway and Strelec leading the line. Their midfield, anchored by Hackney and Gilbert, should provide the necessary support to control the game's tempo.

Hull City, on the other hand, have shown resilience, drawing their last match against Sheffield Wednesday and winning three prior to that. Despite the heavy defeat to Middlesbrough in their last meeting, Hull City's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation suggests a more defensive approach, with McBurnie as the lone striker supported by a robust midfield. The key for Hull City will be to exploit any gaps in Middlesbrough's defence and hope that their midfield can disrupt the flow of the game.

Middlesbrough's recent form has been impressive, with three wins in their last five matches, including a dominant 4-1 victory over Hull City. This run of form should give them a significant boost in confidence as they prepare to face Hull City again. Their ability to secure wins both at home and away suggests a team that is finding its rhythm and could pose a real threat in this upcoming match.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Blackburn (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Bristol City (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs QPR (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Charlton (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hull City (A)

Hull City have shown good form recently, with three wins and a draw in their last five games. The only blemish on their record is the heavy 1-4 loss to Middlesbrough in their most recent encounter. This mixed bag of results indicates a team that can compete but may struggle against a confident Middlesbrough side. Their performance against Sheffield Wednesday, where they managed a draw, shows they can hold their own in tight matches.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 2-2 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs West Brom (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Millwall (A)

• Win: 2-0 vs Wrexham (H)

• Loss: 1-4 vs Middlesbrough (H)

The head-to-head record between Middlesbrough and Hull City shows a competitive rivalry, with Middlesbrough securing three wins, Hull City one win, and one draw in their last five encounters. Middlesbrough's most recent victory was a convincing 4-1 win away at Hull, suggesting they have the upper hand in this fixture. However, Hull City's win in December 2023 indicates they are capable of causing an upset. This history adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming match.

Recent Championship Results

• Hull City 1-4 Middlesbrough (05 Dec 2025)

• Hull City 0-1 Middlesbrough (01 Jan 2025)

• Middlesbrough 3-1 Hull City (30 Nov 2024)

• Hull City 2-2 Middlesbrough (10 Apr 2024)

• Middlesbrough 1-2 Hull City (13 Dec 2023)

• Aidan Morris (Leg) – Doubt

• Riley McGree (Hamstring) – Out

• Abdoulaye Kanté (Groin) – Doubt

• Darragh Lenihan (Ankle) – Doubt

• Seny Dieng (Achilles) - Out

• Semi Ajayi (International Duty) – Out

• Brandon Williams (Calf) – Doubt

• Nathan Tinsdale (Knee) – Out

• Eliot Matazo (Knee) – Out

• Joe Gelhardt (Calf) – Doubt

• John Lundstram (Knee) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Brynn (GK), Brittain (DF), Ayling (DF), Jones (DF), Targett (DF), Whittaker (MF), Gilbert (MF), Hackney (MF), Hamilton (MF), Strelec (AT), Conway (AT)

Middlesbrough are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, which should allow them to maintain a strong midfield presence with Hackney and Gilbert while pushing forward with Strelec and Conway up top. This setup has proven effective in recent matches, suggesting they will look to control the game and exploit their attacking options.

• Predicted lineup: Pandur (GK), Coyle (DF), Egan (DF), Hughes (DF), Giles (DF), Belloumi (MF), Slater (MF), Hadžiahmetović (MF), Millar (MF), Crooks (MF), McBurnie (AT)

Hull City's predicted 4-4-1-1 formation indicates a focus on defensive solidity, with a midfield quartet of Belloumi, Slater, Hadžiahmetović, and Millar aiming to disrupt Middlesbrough's rhythm. McBurnie will be the lone striker, relying on support from the midfield to create scoring opportunities.

• Conway vs Egan: Conway's pace and finishing will be tested against Egan's defensive experience.

• Gilbert vs Slater: Gilbert's midfield control will be crucial against Slater's creativity.

• Hamilton (Middlesbrough): Hamilton's ability to score and create chances will be vital for Middlesbrough's attack.

• Crooks (Hull City): His role in breaking up play and distributing the ball will be key for Hull City's midfield.

Middlesbrough vs Hull City at 19:45 GMT on Monday, 29 December 2025 isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK

Coral is predicting that the score will be Middlesbrough 2-1 Hull City in this match

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