Hackney starts: The predicted Middlesbrough XI to face Hull City in play-off final | OneFootball

FLW has predicted how Kim Hellberg's XI could look against the Tigers in North London

After the most bizarre of pre-game build-ups, Middlesbrough are now fully preparing to take on Hull City in Saturday's Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The Teesside outfit were reinstated to the Championship's post-season promotion lottery at the expense of Southampton despite losing in the semi-finals 2-1 on aggregate, with the South Coast side seeing their sanctions of a play-off expulsion and a four-point deduction after admittances of multiple breaches to EFL regulation 127 upheld by a league arbitration panel.

As such, Kim Hellberg, who himself was appointed in dramatic fashion at the Riverside Stadium last November following Rob Edwards' short-lived reign and controversial move to Wolves, has the chance to end a nine-year wait for Premier League football for the Reds.

With so much at stake in terms of prize funds, as well as the ultimate goal of promotion, Football League World have predicted the Swede's starting lineup to take on Sergej Jakirovic's Tigers in North London at 3:30PM on Saturday.

GK: Sol Brynn

Keeping net for Hellberg's side, as has been the case for all but once this season in all competitions, is academy product, Sol Brynn.

The 25-year-old has kept 14 clean sheets during that timeframe, and a 15th could be key if Middlesbrough were to win at Wembley for the first time in club history.

CB: Luke Ayling

The first of an experienced and largely resolute back-three is Luke Ayling, who has previously earned promotion with Leeds United.

His versatility has also been a key asset for Boro in both defence and attack, and it could be an intriguing battle between himself and Oli McBurnie under the Wembley arch on Saturday afternoon.

CB: Dael Fry

At the spine of the team is another local boy, Dael Fry.

The Boro captain was visibly distraught after his side were initially defeated 2-1 in the semi-finals against Saints before their reinstatement, and he will be hoping to keep his emotions, as well as that of his teammates, in check, for such a momentous occasion.

Despite being at the club during their last Premier League campaign in 2016/17, Fry never made an appearance, which will only add to his motivation when it comes to earning promotion.

CB: Adilson Malanda

Finishing off the defence is Adilson Malanda, who has been nothing short of a revelation since his debut back in January after joining from MLS side, Charlotte FC.

Many believe the 24-year-old Frenchman has all the attributes to continue an upward trajectory, and such recognition would only increase if Boro were to return to the top-flight for 2026/27.

RWB: Callum Brittain

Callum Brittain has proven to be one of the signings of the season following his switch from Blackburn Rovers.

The dynamism showcased by the 28-year-old has also been influential inbetween both boxes, providing seven assists so far this season, with one of those coming in the semi-final second leg when Riley McGree scored inside five minutes.

CM: Hayden Hackney

Without question, though, the biggest dilemma for Hellberg is whether Championship Player of the Season, Hayden Hackney, is involved from the first whistle.

The playmaker hasn't featured since March 14th due to a groin issue, although it was claimed before the spygate drama that, even if Middlesbrough were to progress, he would play some part.

Hackney has since been passed fit to be involved in the contest, with his head coach admitting that this gives him a major "puzzle" to solve, as a result of the technical spark which he brings to the side.

CM: Aidan Morris

Aidan Morris has been equally impressive for Boro this term, covering plenty of ground right throughout the pitch.

His tireless demeanour could, again, prove vital on the wide Wembley surface, particularly against a Hull side who are known for capitalising on errors from opponents close to their own penalty area or in the midfield battle.

However, Hellberg will hope that he and Hackney can successfully dictate the game and navigate their side towards promotion.

LWB: Matt Targett

At left-wing-back comes the vastly experienced Matt Targett.

The Newcastle United loanee is, alongside Ayling, the most experienced figure within this team, having made over 160 appearances in the Premier League.

As well as his energy and defensive nous, the 30-year-old also knows what it takes to win a game of this magnitude, having done so with Fulham against another of his former sides, Aston Villa, eight years ago.

RW: Morgan Whittaker

Morgan Whittaker didn't particularly shine for Boro over the two semi-finals, but he still very much remains a threat after a season which has yielded 20 goal contributions.

The 25-year-old also caused plenty of issues for the Tigers in the 4-1 win at the MKM Stadium on December 5th, producing a goal and assist as the Teesside outfit were out of sight by half-time.

LW: Riley McGree

Another conundrum for Hellberg to solve is who features in place of Tommy Conway, who will miss the final and the World Cup with Scotland after a cruel ankle injury at St Mary's.

One solution could be to move Australian playmaker, Riley McGree to a position on the left wing, which has occurred eight times this season, and the 27-year-old has also scored four of his six goals from that particular tactical switch.