The Championship Play-Off final is set for Saturday, 23 May, 2026, and after the controversy of Spygate we can focus on the football. Traditionally billed as the richest game in football due to the financial rewards for being in the Premier League, the Championship Play-Off final has produced some exciting moments down the years. Initially, Hull City thought that they would be facing Southampton. Instead, the Saints were expelled from the play-offs after being found guilty of spying on three Championship rivals this season, including Middlesbrough, who they beat in the semi-final. Boro are now reinstated, and I have a great 9/1 double that backs them to win.
Championship Play-Off Final: Hull City vs Middlesbrough Bet Builder Tips
| Market | Odds at BC.Game | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough to Win | 2/5 | 1 |
| Oliver McBurnie Anytime Goal Scorer | 27/10 | 0.5 |
| Bet Builder | 9/1 | 1 |
Odds correct at 09:00 BST on 20/05/2026. Odds subject to change.
I placed my three-leg bet builder with BC.Game, one of the leading international betting sites. I have looked at the history of the Championship play-offs, alongside data from Kickform on the two teams this season, to identify two great bets.
Middlesbrough to Win
Only four points separated runners-up Ipswich, who took the last automatic promotion place, from fifth-placed Middlesbrough. Boro finished seven points clear of sixth-placed Hull, who grabbed the last play-off spot. Often, a side that makes a late run into sixth place can carry a lot of momentum ahead of the play-offs. This was not the case for the Tigers. They were winless throughout April and won only three of their last 12 regular season fixtures. They needed a win over Norwich on matchday 46 to confirm their play-off spot. Boro also faltered slightly in the run-in but managed four wins and five draws from their last 12.
Hull’s fixtures have seen goals at both ends, with a healthy total of 70 scored, but with 66 conceded, the worst tally in the top half of the table. Boro scored 72 times in the regular season and are solid defensively with only 47 conceded. Both semi-finals were tight, with Hull keeping a couple of welcome clean sheets against Millwall, and Middlesbrough drawing 0-0 at home to Southampton before losing 2-1 in extra-time at St Mary’s.
I rate Middlesbrough as a better side than Hull. Kickform give them a 40% chance of victory, and I think the Spygate affair will work in their favour. Hull have been gearing up to play Southampton all week, and it was thought that if the Saints were expelled, then the final would take place a few days later. This won’t be the case now. Boro, by contrast, will relish a second bite at the cherry and, after coming within four points of automatic promotion, will be determined to get over the line against Hull.
Oliver McBurnie Anytime Goalscorer
Hull City’s Oli McBurnie has banged in 17 goals in 34 starts and five substitute appearances in the Championship this season. McBurnie has averaged 1.17 shots on target per 90 minutes across the season. I am backing him to get on the scoresheet at Wembley.
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