Preston vs Hull Prediction, Match Preview, Tuesday, 20 January

Preston face Hull in a Championship clash this Tuesday, 20 January, at Deepdale. Both teams are aiming to make a significant impact in the league standings, and this fixture could prove pivotal for their respective campaigns. Preston, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to secure a crucial win. Meanwhile, Hull will be eager to upset the hosts and claim valuable points on the road.

The Championship is renowned for its competitive nature, and this encounter between Preston and Hull promises to be no different. Deepdale will set the stage as these two English sides battle it out, each hoping to improve their league position. With both teams having plenty to play for, fans can expect a tightly contested match that could go either way.

Preston vs Hull Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Draw – Full Time Result	3.3

Considering recent form and head-to-head records, our recommended betting tip is to back a draw in this closely matched contest. Both teams have shown a tendency to cancel each other out rather than dominate, making a stalemate the most likely outcome.

• Both teams have recorded multiple draws recently, indicating a tendency for balanced matches.
• Head-to-head records show close contests, including a recent 2-2 draw.
• Injuries to key players in both squads are likely to limit attacking prowess, favouring a draw.

With neither team in exceptional form and both dealing with significant injuries, a balanced and pragmatic approach is expected, further supporting the likelihood of a draw.

Betting Odds

Preston enter this Championship clash as favourites, with the betting odds reflecting their stronger home form at Deepdale. Hull, however, should not be underestimated, especially with their odds offering a tempting return for those backing an away upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Preston to win	2.16
Draw	3.3
Hull to win	3.25

For those looking to place a bet, the draw is also an intriguing option, given both teams’ tendency to share the spoils in recent encounters. Keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both sides have shown a knack for finding the net.

Preston Analysis & Past Performance

Preston have experienced a mixed run of form recently, securing two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five outings. Key victories against Bristol City (2-0) and Sheffield Wednesday (3-0) highlight their ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, but recent defeats to Derby (0-1) and Wigan (0-1) reveal vulnerabilities, particularly at home.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	Competition	Date
Preston	Derby	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Preston	Wigan	0 – 1 (Loss)	FA Cup	9 Jan 2026
Bristol City	Preston	0 – 2 (Win)	Championship	4 Jan 2026
Preston	Sheffield Wednesday	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Wrexham	Preston	2 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	29 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWWL

In their last five games, Preston have averaged 1.20 goals scored per match while conceding 0.80, reflecting a moderate attacking output coupled with a solid defensive line, evidenced by two clean sheets. At home, however, they have struggled, winning only once and losing twice in their last five encounters. Their win ratio at home stands at a concerning 20%, suggesting a need for tactical adjustments at Deepdale.

Preston Suspensions & Injuries

Preston face a challenging scenario with several key players sidelined due to injury. Among them, Robbie Brady and Andrija Vukčević are both nursing calf and hamstring injuries respectively, with expected returns around late January 2026. Their absence will be felt, especially in maintaining width and defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Daniel Iversen and Andrew Hughes are out until mid-February 2026, which could severely affect Preston’s defensive organisation, given their importance to the back line.

Jamal Lewis, although included in the previous line-up, is currently dealing with a knock. His potential absence means Preston may need to adjust their midfield setup, possibly moving Alistair McCann or Brad Potts into wider roles to compensate for the lack of natural width.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Robbie Brady	Calf Injury	Late January 2026
Andrija Vukčević	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Daniel Iversen	Groin Injury	Mid February 2026
Andrew Hughes	Hamstring Injury	Mid February 2026
Jamal Lewis	Knock	About a week

The absence of these players necessitates tactical adjustments for Paul Heckingbottom. He may need to rely on the versatility of players like Ben Whiteman and Milutin Osmajić to adjust the formation or playing style, potentially opting for a more conservative approach to shield the defence. These injuries undoubtedly impact Preston’s depth, influencing betting markets as they could struggle against a full-strength Hull side.

Preston Key Players

Leading Preston’s attacking force is Lewis Dobbin, the top scorer with six goals this season. His sharp finishing and ability to exploit defensive gaps make him a constant threat. Dobbin’s partnership with Milutin Osmajić in the forward line can be pivotal, as their combined skill set poses a significant challenge to Hull’s defence.

In midfield, Ben Whiteman stands out as a key player, orchestrating play and providing defensive cover. His passing accuracy and vision are crucial in transitioning the ball from defence to attack. Alongside him, Brad Potts’ energy and work rate are indispensable for breaking up opposition play and supporting the forward line. Defensively, Jordan Storey will be essential in maintaining a solid back line, using his aerial ability and tackling to thwart any offensive threats from Hull.

Expected line-up for Preston

• Goalkeeper: Jack Walton
• Defenders: Lewis Gibson, Jordan Storey, Odel Offiah
• Midfielders: Brad Potts, Ben Whiteman, Alistair McCann, Thierry Small
• Forwards: Alfie Devine, Lewis Dobbin, Milutin Osmajić

Preston Tactics and Formation

Preston Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Milutin Osmajić
• Midfield Pivot: Ben Whiteman and Brad Potts
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing play and defensive solidity.

Preston’s use of the 3-5-2 formation under Paul Heckingbottom provides both defensive robustness and attacking width. The three central defenders, Odel Offiah, Jordan Storey, and Lewis Gibson, offer a solid back line, which has contributed to their ability to secure two clean sheets in their last five matches.

The midfield is anchored by Ben Whiteman and Brad Potts, who play crucial roles in both breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball to the flanks. Jamal Lewis and Alistair McCann on the wings are tasked with providing width and support in transition, making Preston dangerous on the counter-attack.

Offensively, Preston rely on the partnership of Milutin Osmajić and Lewis Dobbin up front. Dobbin, in particular, has been instrumental, being the top scorer with six goals. This setup allows Preston to exploit defensive gaps with quick transitions and direct play, especially effective at home.

Hull Analysis & Past Performance

Hull City currently sit 5th in the Championship with 44 points, showcasing a strong campaign so far. Their recent form has been impressive, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. This run includes an impressive 2-1 victory away at Southampton, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Southampton	Hull	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	17 Jan 2026
Hull	Blackburn	N/A	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Hull	Stoke	0 – 1 (Loss)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Middlesbrough	Hull	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Sheffield Wednesday	Hull	2 – 2 (Draw)	Championship	26 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WWLWD

In their last five games, Hull have averaged 1.80 goals per match while conceding 1.40, indicating a solid offensive presence, led by top scorer Joe Gelhardt with ten goals this season. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet, pointing to areas for improvement. Away from home, Hull have been particularly resilient, remaining unbeaten in their last five away fixtures with four wins and one draw, highlighting their prowess on the road.

Hull Suspensions & Injuries

Hull City face significant challenges ahead of their Championship clash against Preston, with several key players sidelined due to injury. The absence of Eliot Matazo, who is out until early February with a cruciate ligament injury, will be particularly felt in midfield, where his dynamic presence and ball-winning capabilities are sorely missed. Nathan Tinsdale and Brandon Williams are both dealing with knee and calf injuries respectively, and are expected to return by late January. This leaves Hull’s defensive options somewhat stretched, requiring tactical adjustments from coach Sergej Jakirović.

Offensively, the absence of Joe Gelhardt, also out until early February with a calf injury, may necessitate a reshuffle up front. Mohamed Belloumi and Ryan Giles, both suffering from hamstring injuries, are set to return by late January, which means Hull will have to rely on their depth to maintain attacking momentum. With Cody Drameh and Darko Gyabi out until mid-March, Hull’s squad depth will be tested, particularly in maintaining pace and width on the flanks.

Given these injuries, Hull may opt for a more conservative approach, potentially deploying a formation that leverages their available midfielders, such as Regan Slater and Kyle Joseph, to control the tempo and shield the back line. The tactical impact of these absences could influence their ability to press effectively and transition quickly from defence to attack.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Eliot Matazo	Cruciate ligament injury	Early February 2026
Nathan Tinsdale	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Brandon Williams	Calf Injury	Late January 2026
Joe Gelhardt	Calf Injury	Early February 2026
Mohamed Belloumi	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Ryan Giles	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Cody Drameh	Hip injury	Mid March 2026
Darko Gyabi	Groin injury	Mid March 2026
Enis Destan	Medial Collateral Ligament injury	Mid March 2026

Hull Key Players

In the absence of Hull’s top scorer Joe Gelhardt, who is sidelined, the team will rely on Oliver McBurnie to lead the attacking charge. McBurnie, known for his physical presence and aerial ability, will be pivotal in breaking down Preston’s defence. His partnership with Kyle Joseph and Liam Millar in the forward line adds dynamism and pace, crucial for exploiting defensive gaps.

In midfield, Matt Crooks and Amir Hadžiahmetović are expected to play significant roles. Crooks’ ability to win duels and Hadžiahmetović’s vision to orchestrate play could be key in controlling the tempo of the match. Defensively, John Egan’s leadership and experience are vital for maintaining solidity at the back, while Lewie Coyle’s overlapping runs can provide additional width and support in attack.

Expected line-up for Hull

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defenders: Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Charlie Hughes, Akin Famewo
• Midfielders: Regan Slater, Matt Crooks, Amir Hadžiahmetović
• Forwards: Kyle Joseph, Liam Millar, Oliver McBurnie

Hull Tactics and Formation

Hull Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Oliver McBurnie
• Midfield Pivot: Regan Slater and Amir Hadžiahmetović
• Defensive Strength: Strong away form with four wins out of the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Effective counter-attacks and defensive resilience.

Hull City have been deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup that provides a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield duo of Regan Slater and Amir Hadžiahmetović play a crucial role, ensuring defensive stability while also facilitating transitions to attack.

Offensively, Hull rely on Oliver McBurnie as the spearhead of their attack. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game is complemented by the creativity of Kyle Joseph and Liam Millar in advanced midfield roles. This has contributed to Hull’s impressive away form, where they’ve managed to score in four out of their last five matches.

Defensively, the back line led by John Egan is adept at absorbing pressure, as evidenced by their ability to maintain clean sheets in two of their last five outings. Hull’s strategy often involves sitting deep and hitting opponents on the break, a tactic that has proven effective in securing points on the road.

Preston vs Hull Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Preston and Hull is perfectly balanced, with both teams winning ten matches each out of their 26 encounters, alongside seven draws. Their last meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at Hull’s ground in the Championship, showing just how closely matched these sides are.

The last time Preston hosted Hull at Deepdale was on Boxing Day 2024, where Preston secured a narrow 1-0 victory. This fixture often delivers tight contests, and with both teams scoring 31 and 37 goals respectively in their head-to-head history, expect another competitive clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Hull City	Preston North End	2 – 2	Championship	2025-09-30
Hull City	Preston North End	2 – 1	Championship	2025-04-21
Preston North End	Hull City	1 – 0	Championship	2024-12-26
Preston North End	Hull City	0 – 0	Championship	2024-03-02
Hull City	Preston North End	1 – 0	Championship	2023-10-28