2023-24 Sky Bet Championship: Week 42 – Wednesday

Hull host Middlesbrough at MKM Stadium in a huge clash in the race for the final play-off spot in the Championship Play-Offs.

Following Coventry’s defeat at Southampton, victory would put Hull or Middlesbrough up to seventh and four points off the final play-off spot.

Team News

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Lewie Coyle (back) and Ryan Giles (groin) are doubts for Hull after they missed the 3-1 win at Cardiff.

Liam Delap (knee) remains absent.

Middlesbrough have no fresh injury concerns to report after their home win over Swansea.

Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith (both Achilles), Dael Fry (pelvis), Josh Coburn (groin), Alex Bangura (leg), Riley McGree (foot), Paddy McNair and Marcus Forss (both hamstring) remain sidelined.

When is Kick-Off?

Hull host Middlesbrough on Wednesday 10 April at MKM Stadium at 7:45pm BST, live on Sky Sports Red Button in the UK.

Stat Attack

• Hull are unbeaten in five of their last seven meetings against Middlesbrough (W4, D1, L2).
• Middlesbrough have won two of their last five visits to Hull (W2, D1, L2).
• Both teams have scored in five of their last six meetings on Humberside, except for a 2-0 Hull win in October 2021.
• Hull are winless in their last five matches at home (D3, L2).
• Middlesbrough have won three of their last six matches by a 2-0 result (W4, D2).

Prediction

Following slip-ups from Norwich and Coventry on Tuesday evening plus currently locked on points and goal difference coming into this clash, victory is now imperative here if either Hull or Boro are to continue their late push for the final play-off spot.

Hull in particular must bring the intensity and quality of their clinical win at Cardiff into this game and put their home rut behind them, because they simply can’t afford to lose this but a draw here won’t do them nor Boro much good come end of season.

Middlesbrough meanwhile have found form despite having an injury crisis and after comfortably beating Swansea with a well-controlled yet clinical win, they certainly have the momentum and confidence but they will need to be at their best given their recent shaky form on Humberside.

Given everything at stake and the fact that a draw wouldn’t do any favours, I expect both teams to throw everything at this but if Hull allow their recent home issues to affect them then Boro could nick this.

Prediction: Hull 1-2 Middlesbrough