| Match Details | Information |
| Competition | Championship – (England) |
| Round | 26 |
| Date & Time | 2026-01-04, 16:00 – (Include timezone BST/GMT). |
| Stadium | MKM Stadium |
Prediction – Hull City 1 – 1
Watford
Recent
Form
As Hull City and Watford prepare to face off in their Championship clash, both teams enter the encounter with contrasting recent performances. Hull City’s form appears to be inconsistent, having secured only one win in their last five league matches. Their solitary victory came against West Bromwich Albion with a 1-0 scoreline. However, Hull has struggled defensively, conceding goals in four of their last five matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Millwall and a narrow 1-0 loss to Stoke City. A 2-2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday highlights their ability to score but also their vulnerability at the back. In contrast, Watford has shown stronger form in their recent fixtures. With two wins in their last five league matches, including a convincing 3-0 victory over Birmingham City and a 1-0 triumph against Stoke City, Watford has demonstrated resilience and the ability to secure crucial points. Despite a setback against Norwich City and a narrow loss to Leicester City, Watford’s attacking prowess was evident in a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Wrexham. The head-to-head record between Hull City and Watford for this season is not available, making it difficult to predict the outcome based on direct encounters. However, Watford’s slightly better recent form and ability to score multiple goals could provide them with a psychological edge. Hull City, playing at home, will be eager to capitalize on their familiar surroundings to regain momentum and improve their league standing. This matchup promises to be a competitive affair, with both teams keen to make a positive start to the new year.
Hull City Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Hull City Vs Stoke City | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 6 – 6 | 13 – 13 | 51% – 49% | 0 – 0 |
| Middlesbrough Vs Hull City | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 4 | 10 – 2 | 11 – 11 | 71% – 29% | 0 – 1 |
| Sheffield Wednesday Vs Hull City | 2-2 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 4 | 4 – 4 | 12 – 5 | 45% – 55% | 2 – 1 |
| Hull City Vs West Bromwich Albion | 1-0 | 0 – 1 | 4 – 4 | 8 – 3 | 16 – 14 | 43% – 57% | 0 – 0 |
| Millwall Vs Hull City | 3-1 | 1 – 0 | 0 – 3 | 5 – 1 | 7 – 12 | 57% – 43% | 1 – 3 |
Hull City’s recent form in the Championship has been a mixed bag, reflecting challenges both in defense and attack. Over the last five matches, Hull City has secured only one win, a narrow 1-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion. This win was marked by a disciplined defensive performance, capitalizing on West Brom’s red card to hold onto their lead. However, the team has struggled to find consistency, as evidenced by their losses to Stoke City and Middlesbrough, both ending 1-0. Despite maintaining a competitive possession rate against Stoke, Hull City failed to convert opportunities, highlighting a pressing issue in their offensive capabilities. The team’s draw against Sheffield Wednesday showcased a more balanced approach, with Hull City managing to secure a 2-2 result away from home. This match demonstrated their potential to score but also underscored defensive vulnerabilities, given the two goals conceded. The encounter with Millwall further exposed these defensive frailties, as Hull City succumbed to a 3-1 defeat, despite having a numerical advantage due to Millwall’s red card. This inconsistency in defense, coupled with a lack of clinical finishing, points to areas needing improvement. In terms of team composition, Hull City is currently without Semi Ajayi, who has been called up to the national team. His absence could impact the defensive solidity, given his experience and presence at the back. The predicted lineup suggests a reliance on a robust midfield with players like Liam Millar and Regan Slater tasked to bridge the defense and attack. The inclusion of Oliver McBurnie as the lone striker indicates a strategy that might focus on counter-attacks and exploiting set-piece opportunities, particularly with Matt Crooks and Darko Gyabi providing support from the midfield. Overall, Hull City will need to address their defensive lapses and improve their conversion rate in front of goal to enhance their prospects in the upcoming match. The team’s ability to leverage their midfield strength to control the game and create scoring opportunities will be crucial. As they prepare to face their next opponents at the MKM Stadium, the focus will likely be on tightening their defensive structure while ensuring more effective use of possession to challenge their opponents effectively.
Watford Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Watford Vs Birmingham City | 3-0 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 2 | 4 – 4 | 14 – 5 | 45% – 55% | 2 – 0 |
| Norwich City Vs Watford | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 1 | 8 – 3 | 6 – 8 | 55% – 45% | 0 – 1 |
| Leicester City Vs Watford | 2-1 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 2 | 5 – 6 | 8 – 14 | 51% – 49% | 1 – 2 |
| Watford Vs Stoke City | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 3 | 7 – 5 | 12 – 10 | 40% – 60% | 1 – 0 |
| Wrexham Vs Watford | 2-2 | 0 – 0 | 3 – 5 | 7 – 1 | 9 – 10 | 52% – 48% | 1 – 1 |
Watford’s recent performances in the Championship have been a mixed bag, reflecting both their potential and areas needing improvement. Over the last five matches, Watford secured two victories, one draw, and two losses, demonstrating a somewhat inconsistent form. Their most notable victory was a commanding 3-0 win against Birmingham City, which highlighted their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with two assists contributing to their goal tally. However, this was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Norwich City, where they struggled to convert possession into goals despite maintaining a competitive edge in free kicks. A deeper dive into the statistics reveals Watford’s ability to compete even in challenging matches. Against Leicester City, despite a 2-1 loss, Watford managed to maintain a near-equal possession and even led in free kicks, showcasing their ability to pressure opponents. Their resilience was further demonstrated in a 1-0 victory over Stoke City, achieved with only 40% possession, suggesting a strategic efficiency when playing on the counter. The 2-2 draw with Wrexham, however, highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, with Watford conceding twice despite a competitive performance in free kicks and assists. The current absence of Edo Kayembe and Mamadou Doumbia, both called up to their national teams, will necessitate tactical adjustments, particularly in midfield stability and defensive cohesion. Watford’s predicted lineup indicates a reliance on a robust midfield, with Tom Ince and Giorgi Chakvetadze likely pivotal in linking defense to attack. The presence of Imrân Louza and Othmane Maamma suggests a focus on creativity and ball control, essential for breaking down opposition defenses. Overall, Watford’s approach in their upcoming match will likely focus on leveraging their creative midfield to control the game’s tempo, while maintaining a solid defensive line composed of Max Alleyne and Mattie Pollock. The team’s recent form, combined with the tactical adjustments necessitated by key absences, will be crucial in determining their ability to secure a positive result.
Team News
& Injuries
Hull City Injuries & Suspensions
- Semi Ajayi (Called Up To National Team)
Watford Injuries & Suspensions
- Edo Kayembe (Called Up To National Team) Mamadou Doumbia (Called Up To National Team)
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
& Summary
H2H Last 5
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Hull City Vs Watford | N/A | 0 – 0 | 1 – 5 | 6 – 6 | 16 – 7 | 55% – 45% | 2 – 1 |
| Hull City Vs Watford | N/A | 0 – 0 | 3 – 0 | 7 – 3 | 6 – 7 | 46% – 54% | 1 – 0 |
| Hull City Vs Watford | N/A | 0 – 0 | 2 – 3 | 6 – 2 | 0 – 0 | 42% – 58% | 1 – 1 |
| Hull City Vs Watford | N/A | 0 – 0 | 4 – 4 | 1 – 5 | 0 – 0 | 47% – 53% | 0 – 0 |
| Hull City Vs Watford | N/A | 0 – 0 | 1 – 2 | 8 – 1 | 0 – 0 | 61% – 39% | 0 – 1 |
H2H Detailed Analysis
The head-to-head record between Hull City and Watford reveals a competitive dynamic, with both teams showcasing different strengths in their previous encounters. Analyzing the match data, Hull City has often enjoyed a higher possession rate in three out of the five games, indicating their preference for controlling the game and dictating the pace. This is complemented by their ability to win more corners, as seen in four of the five matches, suggesting a strategy that relies on flanking attacks and set-piece opportunities. However, Watford’s resilience is evident in their ability to maintain discipline, evidenced by fewer yellow cards in most encounters, which could point to their focus on maintaining defensive composure and avoiding unnecessary fouls. This balance of power between Hull City’s attacking intent and Watford’s disciplined defense sets up an intriguing contest. Current injuries and absences could further influence this dynamic in their upcoming clash. Hull City will miss Semi Ajayi, who has been called up to the national team, potentially impacting their defensive solidity. In contrast, Watford will be without Edo Kayembe and Mamadou Doumbia for the same reason, potentially affecting their midfield depth and defensive options. The predicted lineups suggest Hull City will rely on Oliver McBurnie for offensive breakthroughs, supported by a midfield comprising Liam Millar and Matt Crooks, who will aim to maintain their possession advantage. Meanwhile, Watford will focus on their midfield’s creativity, with Tom Ince and Giorgi Chakvetadze likely to orchestrate play and provide service to Luca Kjerrumgaard in attack. The absence of key players on both sides might lead to a more open game, where the ability to adapt and capitalize on the opposition’s weakened areas could be decisive.
Predicted Lineups
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Players: Ivor Pandur (Goalkeeper), Lewie Coyle (Defender), Charlie Hughes (Defender), John Egan (Defender), Akin Famewo (Defender), Liam Millar (Midfielder), Kyle Joseph (Midfielder), Darko Gyabi (Midfielder), Matt Crooks (Midfielder), Regan Slater (Midfielder), Oliver McBurnie (Attacker)
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Players: Egil Selvik (Goalkeeper), Max Alleyne (Defender), Mattie Pollock (Defender), Marc Bola (Defender), James Abankwah (Defender), Hector Kyprianou (Midfielder), Tom Ince (Midfielder), Giorgi Chakvetadze (Midfielder), Imrân Louza (Midfielder), Othmane Maamma (Midfielder), Luca Kjerrumgaard (Attacker)
