Hull City and Middlesbrough are preparing to battle it out in the Championship playoff final. Hull City’s manager, Sergej Jakirović, emphasized the importance of possession, stating, “It’s very important that we can get possession … not just that we are running … that will be not good for us.” He also acknowledged Middlesbrough’s strengths, noting they “have a very good structure.”
Hull Owner Hints at Legal Action
Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı has made comments regarding potential legal action if his side fails to win promotion. He stated, “Our legal team says that we have to go for action, that’s for sure … so we have no doubt about it … all we want is justice … if justice is broken, nobody will enjoy football.” Ilıcalı also said, “[The EFL] have opened up Pandora’s box … [legal action] is a question for Mr Chairman … my job is to prepare the team.”
Team Lineups and Changes
Hull City has made one change to their starting XI, with Mohamed Belloumi replacing the injured Kyle Joseph. Middlesbrough has also made one change, with Alan Browne stepping in for the stricken Tommy Conway. Hayden Hackney is on the bench for Middlesbrough, potentially making his first appearance since March.
The confirmed lineups are as follows:
- Hull City: Pandur, Coyle, Egan, Ajayi, Hughes, Giles, Slater, Crooks, Belloumi, Millar, McBurnie. Subs: Phillips, Lundstram, Hirakawa, Drameh, Hadziahmetovic, Gelhardt, Dowell, Koumas, McNair.
- Middlesbrough: Brynn, Brittain, Targett, Fry, McGree, Whittaker, Ayling, Strelec, Browne, Morris, Malanda. Subs: Wildsmith, Hackney, Gilbert, Silvera, Castledine, Edmundson, Hansen, Ibeh, Sarmiento.
Playoff History
Hull City has a positive history in the playoffs, having won on both of their previous attempts. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have had less success in recent playoff appearances. They won in 1988, beating Chelsea in a two-legged final, but have since been defeated in the semi-finals in 1991, 2018 and 2023, and lost a final to Norwich City in 2015.
Jakirović said, “Tuesday we had tactical training for Southampton … then Tuesday evening we changed everything … we had one tactical session for Middlesbrough … but we faced them already two times … no matter who is the opponent in the final, it’s a 50-50 game … I hope that we perform good and will be successful … we will try to get to the Prem … we are the best in transition in this league…”