Middlesbrough have drawn four of their last seven away games
Hull have scored in 14 of their last 15 matches
Recommended bet: Draw
Hull spent most of last season battling against the drop, but they are surprise contenders in the Championship promotion race this term and will move into the play-off places if they can defeat Middlesbrough at the MKM Stadium.
It was a tricky summer for the Tigers, who had to recruit within the parameters of a transfer embargo.
But they assembled a competitive squad and are making progress under Bosnian head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who has favoured a bold, attacking style of play.
The Tigers have taken 17 points from nine home games, although they will anticipate a stern test from Middlesbrough, who won their opening four matches of the campaign and have never been outside of the top three.
Boro had to adjust to the departure of Rob Edwards, but they made a positive start to life under Swedish head coach Kim Hellberg, who commenced his Riverside reign with a 2-1 triumph at home to Derby.
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Team news
Hull have been restricted at the top end of the pitch but that may be about to change because Liam Millar (hamstring) and Oli McBurnie (calf) are back in training. There is also positive news in midfield after John Lundstram’s return as a substitute during Saturday’s triumph away to Stoke.
The Tigers are getting stronger although Cody Drameh, Kasey Palmer and Eliot Matazo remain out of contention.
Middlesbrough will have to battle on without key midfielder Aidan Morris (leg), who missed Saturday's 2-1 triumph at home to Derby.
However, Slovakian striker David Strelec (muscle strain) featured as a second-half substitute in that game and could be pushing for his first start since the November international break.
The latest Hull vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Middlesbrough have been involved in four 1-1 draws this season.
Boro have scored in eight of their last nine away fixtures.
Middlesbrough have lost only one of their last six matches against Hull.
Both teams have scored in four of Hull’s last five fixtures.
Hull have conceded the first goal in four of their last five games.
The latest Hull vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Middlesbrough rose to second place after last Saturday’s 2-1 triumph at home to Derby, but they have taken just two points from their last three road trips and could be held by Hull in a key game for both teams.
While Coventry are bolting clear at the top of the division, Middlesbrough have found it tough to build on their flying start to the campaign.
The Teessiders have won just five of their last 14 league matches and should expect a tough test against Hull, who are likely to get stronger in the not-too-distant future with key midfielder John Lundstram and powerful striker Oli McBurnie edging closer to full fitness.
Hull have stayed competitive during a sticky spell on the injury front and they can compete on even terms with Boro, allowing them to secure a share of the points.
Back the Draw at 11/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Hull vs Middlesbrough odds are available on LiveScore Bet
