Hull v Middlesbrough

The Championship Play-Off Final sees Hull taking on Middlesbrough at Wembley. The Spygate shenanigans are done with, for now at least. However, murmurings of court cases taken by other affected teams, and even Southampton players against their own club, will surely resurface. Still, for the time being, the focus turns to Saturday’s multi-million-pounds-up-for-grabs final at Wembley.

PP football tipster Paddy Murphy has dived into the stats and form for what will most surely be a tense affair and has five picks for a Bet Builder. Three of his picks are covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, which means that if any of the players are substituted, the pick will carry over to their replacement. Let’s get his Hull v Middlesbrough tips.

Hull v Middlesbrough Bet Builder tips

Under 1.5 first half goals

Over 2.5 goals

Oliver McBurnie to score or assist

Hayden Hackney to have 1+ shots on target

Luke Ayling to commit 1+ fouls

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

WHEN: Saturday, 23rd May, 3:30pm

WHERE: Wembley Stadium, London

TV: Sky Sports Main Event/Football

Under 1.5 first half goals

Over the last 10 Play-Off Finals, only one of the last 10 saw more than two goals being scored in the first period of play. Seven did see at least one goal, though. Hull were on the ascendancy as the season came to an end, particularly at home, while Middlesbrough’s form took a bit of a dent, drawing too few games as the curtain came down.

Momentum then would seem to be with the Tigers, but they’re very much the underdog pick to qualify for Premier League football next season. The goals markets have caught our eye, though, and knowing that these finals almost always start as tense affairs, we cannot see many goals in the opening 45 minutes.

Looking at previous records for both sides, only four of Hull’s last 10 fixtures have seen two or more goals scored in the first half, and for ‘Boro, they’ve seen two or more scored in five of their last 10, so we’re backing that trend of low-scoring first halves in the final to continue here.

Over 2.5 goals

Six of the last eight meetings between the sides have seen at least three goals being scored, however, and yes, these finals don’t tend to finish with loads of goals, but this one definitely has the feel of goals, particularly as both sides have hit the back of the net in seven of their last 10 games in the first half.

These finals also tend to see at least one goal scored in the first half, and that should also apply here, too. Four of their last eight meetings between the sides have seen at least two goals scored in the second half as well, so three goals look to be on the cards.

Oliver McBurnie to score or assist

Oli McBurnie must feel quite aggrieved not to have made the Scotland World Cup squad. The former Sheffield United and Swansea City striker has been involved in 24 goals for Hull this season, scoring 17 and assisting seven. With a respectable average of 1.2 shots on target for the season, McBurnie will certainly make his threat felt when Hull get forward.

Hayden Hackney to have 1+ shots on target

Middlesbrough Hayden Hackney should make it back just in time for Kim Hellberg’s side. He’s been one of the star players for ‘Boro this season, enjoying a 7.14 average rating for the season according to whoscored.com, thanks to his five goals, seven assists, and 2.6 shots per game. He also tops their chances created stats, so we expect him to have a pop when he finds himself in shooting positions.

Luke Ayling to commit 1+ fouls

For fouls, we have to mention Middlesbrough’s Luka Ayling. He picked up 10 yellow cards this season, averaging 2.5 tackles per game and 1.5 fouls per game. Ayling’s been solid for ‘Boro this season. He’s high in the stats for clearances and blocks, but he’s going to have to deal with the tough physicality and guile of McBurnie in the box, as well as Liam Miller on Hull’s left side, so we can see him committing at least one foul here.

Hull v Middlesbrough Bet Builder tips

Under 1.5 first half goals

Over 2.5 goals

Oliver McBurnie to score or assist

Hayden Hackney to have 1+ shots on target

Luke Ayling to commit 1+ fouls

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 19/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

READ MORE

Shoot on over to Paddy Power News for the best Football Betting Tips & News

When is the 2026 Championship play-off final? Hull v Middlesbrough date and kick-off time

Premier League permutations for the final day of the season, including relegation scrap

Tap here for PP.com’s latest football odds

Click here to read article