Preview, predicted line-ups & where to watch the Championship play-off final

Preview for Hull v Middlesbrough

Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic says it is a relief to finally be able to prepare properly for tomorrow’s Championship play-off final against Middlesbrough.

The Tigers’ build-up to a game billed ‘the richest in world football’ and apparently worth over £200million to the winner has been overshadowed by the ‘Spygate’ scandal with Southampton kicked out of the final after admitting they had spied on Middlesbrough prior to their semi-final, first leg.

Saints’ appeal was thrown out on Wednesday night, and Boro who lost over two legs reinstated, giving both teams just three days to  get ready for the Wembley showpiece.

“For sure it’s a relief because since Tuesday [the day when the EFL gave their initial ruling] we know against who we are playing,” said former Bosnia midfielder Jakirovic.

“Of course, we prepared [for] at least last seven days for Southampton because they won in the semi-finals. And then from Tuesday evening we started to prepare this game against Middlesbrough, which is maybe a little bit short.

“But we already played two times against Southampton and against Middlesbrough, so we know everything about them. They know everything about us. I’m optimistic because we had a few very good sessions.

“Our main focus since we reached the finals, it’s this final game. So no matter who will be our opponent, our focus and concentration is on our team, what we can do there, how we can use our advantages there. And then this is the main thing.”

For Middlesbrough, the situation was more simple. They knew their opponents would be Hull providing they were reinstated.

Despite that, boss Kim Hellberg says the last week has been very difficult. “There have been a lot of emotions. It has been a crazy time,” he said.

“It has been back and forth, involving a lot of different emotions from losing the game to everything else. After the Southampton game away, with all the things that come with that, it was very tough.

“It’s been impossible to train [properly]. We had a meeting with them after the weekend, to see where we were at, but it’s been very difficult. Of course, from when it was 100 per cent clear, we could start trying to focus on the game.”

Middlesbrough’s late inclusion has led to a raft of logistical issues but the Teessiders have sold their allocation and Wembley will be full with a place in the Premier League at stake.

Team News for Hull v Middlesbrough

Hull midfielder Kyle Joseph is out after undergoing ankle surgery but both Cody Drameh and Amir Hadžiahmetović are back in training and could be in the squad. On-loan Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer is injured.

The big news for Middlesbrough is the anticipated return of captain and key midfielder Hayden Hackney after a 10-game absence due to a calf injury. Striker Tommy Conway is not fit, however, after sustaining an injury in the second leg against Southampton.

Predicted line-ups for Hull v Middlesbrough

Hull: Pandur; Ajayi, Egan, Hughes; Coyle, Slater, Crooks, Giles; Belloumi, Millar, McBurnie

Middlesbrough: Brynn; Ayling, Fry, Malanda; Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett; Whittaker, McGree; Strelec

Where to watch Hull v Middlesbrough

Hull versus Middlesbrough kicks off at 3.30pm UK time on Saturday afternoon. It can be watched on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed via Sky Go.