Middlesbrough v Hull: promotion push meets play-off surge | OneFootball

Middlesbrough host Hull City in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium on Monday, 29 December 2025, with second playing fourth and points vital in the promotion race.

Middlesbrough thrashed Hull City 4-1 away earlier this month, surging 4-0 ahead by half time. They meet again with the hosts on 43 points and the visitors on 38.

Boro have won three of their last five, a run that included three straight victories before defeat at Bristol City and a goalless draw with Blackburn. Hull have responded to that loss with three wins and a draw, leaving them unbeaten in four.

Boro are without Darragh Lenihan, Matt Targett, George Edmundson, Riley McGree and Alfie Jones. Hull list John Lundstram, Eliot Matazo, Joe Gelhardt, Brandon Williams, Mohamed Belloumi and Nathan Tinsdale among their absentees.

On season trends, Boro average 56% possession with 83.78% pass accuracy and six clean sheets, so they may look to control the game. Hull have scored 39 goals with 55.74% shooting accuracy and deliver regular quality from wide, with Ryan Giles leading the league on eight assists. Oliver McBurnie has nine league goals. For the hosts, Morgan Whittaker has eight league goals and Hayden Hackney five assists.

A home win would lift Boro to 46 points and could strengthen their grip on the top two places. Victory for Hull would take them to 41 points and could further cement their position in the play-off spots while keeping the automatic promotion chase in sight.