Both Hull and Middlesbrough are six points off the playoffs, Hull have six games to go and Boro have five. It's going to take something special for either of them to get in, but if one of them manages to win here, then they will fancy they've got a chance. Of course, losing this game makes it almost impossible, which is why the game on Wednesday night at the KC Stadium is so big.
Hull City Form GuideHull were right in the playoff mix, until a bad run of form saw them slip away. With 61 points, they're six off Norwich in 6th, but with a game in hand, that could quickly turn to three points. This game feels like a must win for both teams here, given the gap they have to close, and the small number of games left.
Hull won at the weekend, but they went six games without a win before that, which is ultimately where they have cost themselves a really strong shot at the playoffs. They won 3-1 away from home at Cardiff on Saturday, a game they will be hoping to use as a momentum builder for the future, starting with Wednesday night.
Middlesbrough Form GuideMiddlesbrough are making a very late push for the playoffs, and it's not going to be easy for them as they've played a game more than the rest of the challengers. Also with 61 points, like Hull, it's going to be tough, but the crucial advantage that Middlesbrough have is they are in really good form coming here.
They come here on a run of seven games unbeaten, winning five of those and drawing the other two. They won at the weekend, beating Swansea 2-0 at home on Saturday, and before that, beating Sheffield Wednesday, again at home and again by a scoreline of 2-0. With Ipswich and Leeds next, the run in for Boro is tough, and you feel this is a must win game.
Match PredictionTwo sides trying to get into the playoffs, needing every point they can get. With their run of form, and being a little more desperate, I am going to side with Middlesbrough to claim a massive win here, and keep their playoff hopes alive.
