Hull City face Middlesbrough in the Championship Play-off final at Wembley this Saturday, with both teams no doubt pleased to be able to focus on on-field matters.
Both sides haven’t graced the Premier League since the 2016/17 campaign and with approximately £200million up for grabs for the winner, it could be a tense tussle.
The Tigers defeated Millwall over two legs in the semi-finals to seal their place in the play-off final for the first time in a decade.
Boro, however, were originally knocked out by Southampton at the same stage, ending their hopes of promotion, only for the Saints to be expelled from the playoffs after being found guilty of spying on their opponents on the lead up to their semi-final clash.
Hull v Middlesbrough Bet Builder Tips
Boro to reach the promised land
Earlier on this season it looked as though Boro were cruising to the automatic promotion place under Rob Edwards.
Then, he took over the vacant managerial role at Wolves, with Kim Hellberg coming in as his replacement. Things were still looking rosy, but a run of just three wins from their last 11 league games ensured they finished fifth.
Nevertheless, Boro’s recent form over Hull could give them a boost. Across the previous five games between the two clubs, the Teessiders have won three and drawn once, only losing the reverse fixture earlier this campaign.
The sheer elation of being reinstated might just be the difference between these two sides at Wembley as Boro should edge this tie.
Leg 1: Middlesbrough to win @ 4/5
Goals be on the cards at Wembley
This game might start off rather cagey, but as both teams settle it could become an intriguing contest with plenty of chances in both penalty areas.
Both teams have scored in six of the previous eight meetings, while Hull boasted one of the worst defensive records in the regular season, conceding 66 goals across 46 matches.
Five of City’s last seven matches have featured both teams finding the back of the net, while for Boro, six of their previous nine games have seen both teams score.
As such, expect both sides to score at least once on Saturday afternoon.
Leg 2: Both teams to score @ 17/20
Corners to pile up with glory in sight
Hull’s last game against Millwall featured 14 corners, while three of their previous five matches have seen 11 or more corners.
For Boro, both their semi-final matches against Southampton saw 11 or more corners being taken – 12 in the first leg and 16 in the second – and given how impressive Hellberg’s side are from an attacking point of view, they should have their fair share of flag-kicks.
Once the game opens up, it could certainly be end-to-end, so backing over 10.5 corners could be a wise addition to this bet builder.
Leg 3. Over 10.5 corners @ 4/7
