View previews, predicted lineups and where to watch the championship playoffs

Hull v Middlesbrough preview

The manager of Hull, Sergej Jakirovic, says it is a relief to finally be able to prepare well for tomorrow’s Championship final against Middlesbrough.

The Tigers’ build-up to the so-called ‘richest game in world football’ and the apparent £200m winner was overshadowed by the ‘Spygate’ scandal when Southampton were knocked out of the final after admitting they had spied on Middlesbrough ahead of their semi-final, first leg.

Saints’ bid was rejected on Wednesday night, and Boro’s two-leg defeat was reinstated, giving both teams just three days to prepare for the Wembley showdown.

“It’s definitely easier because it’s from Tuesday [the day when the EFL gave their initial ruling] we know who we are playing against,” said former Bosnian midfielder Jakirovic.

“Yes, we are prepared [for] At least Southampton stayed for seven days because they won in the semi-finals. Then from Tuesday evening we start preparing for this game against Middlesbrough, which may be a little short.

“But we’ve already played twice against Southampton and Middlesbrough, so we know everything about them. They know everything about us. I’m optimistic because we’ve had a couple of really good sessions.

“Our main focus since we reached the finals, this last 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 best there. Then this is the main thing.”

At Middlesbrough, the situation was much simpler. They knew their opponents would be Hull as long as they were sent back.

However, manager Kim Hellberg says that last week was very difficult. “There were a lot of emotions. It was a crazy time,” he said.

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

“It was impossible to train [properly]. We had a meeting with them after the weekend, to see where we are, but it was very difficult. Yes, since it is 100 percent clear, we can start trying to focus on the game. “

Middlesbrough’s late inclusion has led to many problems but the Teessiders have sold their share and Wembley will have a full Premier League place at stake.

Hull v Middlesbrough Team News

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

The big news for Middlesbrough is the expected return of captain and key midfielder Hayden Hackney after missing 10 games with a calf injury. Striker Tommy Conway is out, however, after picking up an injury in the second leg against Southampton.

Hull v Middlesbrough predicted lineup

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 take on Middlesbrough at 3.30pm UK time on Saturday afternoon. It can be watched on Sky Sports Main Event and streamed on Sky Go.