Hull City vs. Middlesbrough - Championship Play-Off Final Tips

On Saturday afternoon, Hull City will face Middlesbrough in the play-off final and it hasn't half taken a while to get here!

This has been one of the messiest play-offs to date. Southampton were originally in the final and one of the biggest fallouts in EFL history has since taken place. Now, Boro take that spot and they will face Hull for a place in the Premier League.

Let's dive into our tips for this game.

Hull City vs. Middlesbrough: Ben's Bets and Expected XIs

At the time of writing this, the lineups were not available to us, so I have tried to make some assumptions about the lineup, whilst only tipping players I think will start. It is worth stating here that I would not advise placing any bets until the lineups are out for both teams.

I've stuck around the Evens mark for this set of tips, hoping to have a bit more success. However, all can be combined to make a pretty nice 10/1 bet builder!

Now, without further ado, let's dive into my reasoning.

Oli McBurnie to have 1+ Shot on Target - 8/13

This feels like far too high of a price for McBurnie to have a Shot on Target. Indeed, the Scotsman has been flying this season and he isn't likely to stop here.

With nine shots on target in his last five games, he is likely to be very involved again here and this looks a beauty of a price.

Under 2.5 Goals - 4/5

This may be a little bit of a risk, but considering what is at risk for both teams, I see this being quite a low-event game. Hull have only seen 23 goals in their last 10 games and with two goals in their semi-final contest against Millwall, this should continue.

Whilst Middlesbrough are a slightly higher octane outfit, their recent break makes me worry for them. So, I believe this could be quite a difficult game.

Middlesbrough -2 Corner Handicap - 10/11

This feels like a ridiculously overpriced market, simply because of how dominant Middlesbrough are with corners. In their past 10 games, this market has landed seven times.

In Hull's games, it has landed in five, which is a slight drop. However, confidence comes through their averages. Boro average around 8.9 corners per game, whilst Hull only average 4.5.

In other words, this should be a great opportunity for us.

Hull City or Draw Match Result - 1/1

Going back to the Under 2.5 Goals bit, I think Boro are likely to struggle here. So, I am really shocked to see them as well backed as they are.

Their earlier 4-1 win against the Tigers was a standout result. However, they have been off since the play-off semi-final against Southampton and only went back into training earlier this week.

For that reason, I just cannot back them strongly and when this price is available, you have to take it.

Luke Ayling Over 1.5 Fouls Won

Finally, we're going to the foul markets and I really like the look of Luke Ayling getting fouled twice or more. The defender has won 14 fouls in his last five games and I expect that trend to continue.

Joe Gelhardt, who is expected to start here, has made nine fouls in his last five games and Ollie McBurnie isn't much better, making four in his last five.

I think Ayling will be a point of experience in the Boro backline this weekend, so will be happy to take the occasional knock and that makes this a lovely price in my eyes.

Predicted Hull City XI vs. Middlesbrough (4-3-3): Phillips; Coyle, Ajayi, Egan, Giles; Crooks, Slater, Gyabi; Belloumi, McBurnie, Gelhardt.

Predicted Middlesbrough XI vs. Hull City (3-5-2): Brynn; Ayling, Fry, Malanda; Brittain, McGree, Morris, Hackney, Targett; Whittaker, Strelec