Match Pack: Hull City FC vs Middlesbrough FC

Hull City FC host Middlesbrough FC at the MKM Stadium on November 22, 2025, in an EFL Championship Matchweek 16 fixture that pits a playoff-hungry side against a promotion favourite in a North-East vs. Humber clash. Under Tim Walter, Hull City FC are building on a promising mid-table finish in 2024–25, with Jaden Philogene’s flair and Oscar Estupiñán’s clinical finishing driving their attack. The MKM Stadium’s passionate atmosphere, led by the East Stand, has become a fortress, amplifying Hull City FC’s possession-based, high-pressing style. Middlesbrough FC, managed by Michael Carrick, narrowly missed automatic promotion last season, relying on Emmanuel Latte Lath’s goal-scoring prowess and Finn Azaz’s creative spark. The Boro’s away form has been formidable, but the MKM Stadium’s intensity presents a stern challenge. This matchup contrasts Hull City FC’s dynamic 4-2-3-1, which thrives on quick transitions and wing overloads, against Middlesbrough FC’s fluid 4-2-3-1, built for midfield control and rapid counters. The 25,586-capacity MKM Stadium will be electric, with Hull City FC’s fans creating a wall of noise to unsettle Middlesbrough FC. With Hull City FC targeting top-six and Middlesbrough FC chasing automatic spots, this encounter will hinge on tactical execution and individual battles, promising a high-energy, end-to-end contest.

Insights:

• Hull City FC posted a 11–5–5 home record in 2024–25, averaging 1.7 goals per game at the MKM Stadium, where the East Stand’s roar often forces turnovers.
• Middlesbrough FC won 10 away games in 2024–25, averaging 1.7 goals per game, but drew two of five matches against top-12 sides.
• Hull City FC’s 4-2-3-1 under Walter emphasizes possession and high pressing, while Middlesbrough FC’s 4-2-3-1 focuses on midfield rotations and quick transitions.
• Jaden Philogene (12 goals, 8 assists in 2024–25) versus Middlesbrough FC’s Rav van den Berg (2.3 tackles per game) will be pivotal, with Philogene’s dribbling testing van den Berg’s positioning.
• Middlesbrough FC lead the series 15–10–8 since 2000, but Hull City FC’s 2–1 home win in 2023–24, with Philogene assisting, boosts their confidence.
• Hull City FC aim for a playoff spot, while Middlesbrough FC target automatic promotion, making points crucial for both.
• Hull City FC’s Abdus Omur is fit after a minor knock, but Middlesbrough FC’s Hayden Hackney is questionable with a calf strain, potentially weakening their midfield.
• The MKM Stadium’s passionate East Stand contrasts with Middlesbrough FC’s vocal away supporters, creating a charged atmosphere.
• Walter’s use of inverted wingers could exploit Middlesbrough FC’s wide defending, while Carrick’s emphasis on set-piece defending aims to neutralize Hull City FC’s aerial threat.
• Historical clashes at the MKM Stadium average 2.5 goals per game, often decided by late strikes or individual moments of quality.

Match Forecasts:

• Jaden Philogene is likely to score or assist, using his 2024–25 form (12 goals) to exploit Middlesbrough FC’s left flank with his pace and dribbling.
• Emmanuel Latte Lath (16 goals in 2024–25) could trouble Hull City FC’s defense on the break, targeting Alfie Jones’ positioning with his movement.
• Hull City FC’s Jean Michaël Seri (88% passing accuracy) will battle Middlesbrough FC’s Dan Barlaser and Hayden Hackney, who averaged 2.2 tackles per game, with midfield control shaping the tempo.
• Hull City FC converted 14% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Jacob Greaves a aerial threat; Middlesbrough FC’s van den Berg is strong defending set pieces.
• Hull City FC’s Liam Delap could provide a late spark off the bench, while Middlesbrough FC’s Marcus Forss offers flair in the final 20 minutes.
• Middlesbrough FC’s backline allowed 1.2 goals per away game in 2024–25, vulnerable to Hull City FC’s quick transitions, which averaged 1.6 successful dribbles per game.
• The game may start with Hull City FC’s high press, but 60% of their recent home games featured goals after the 75th minute, suggesting late drama.
• Tactical battle hinges on Hull City FC’s possession (55% average) versus Middlesbrough FC’s counterattacking threat (1.7 counters per game), with turnovers likely decisive.

Hull City FC 1–2 Middlesbrough FC Middlesbrough FC’s technical quality and attacking depth should edge a narrow victory. The MKM Stadium atmosphere will fuel Hull City FC’s early press, likely leading to a Philogene-inspired goal. Middlesbrough FC’s pressing and Latte Lath’s movement will unlock the low block, with a late Azaz or Forss strike clinching the points despite Hull City FC’s resilient defending.

Match Facts:

• Middlesbrough FC lead the series 15–10–8 since 2000, with 72 goals scored in those matches (2.1 goals per game average), often featuring competitive battles.
• MKM Stadium, with a 25,586 capacity, is expected to sell out, with the East Stand creating a hostile atmosphere reaching 106 decibels.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology will reduce decision times by approximately 30 seconds.
• Broadcast on TBD (UK) and Sky Sports (international) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Humberside and BBC Radio Tees.
• Hull on November 22, 2025, forecasts 50°F with a 30% chance of light rain, potentially aiding direct play on a slick pitch.
• A Middlesbrough FC win would mark their 100th Championship away victory since 2010, strengthening their promotion push.
• Jaden Philogene is two assists shy of 20 for Hull City FC; Emmanuel Latte Lath could reach 20 career goals with a strike.
• Middlesbrough FC have won 70% of away games against Hull City FC since 2010, often capitalizing on second-half pressure to secure results.