Hull City vs Queens Park Rangers Prediction, Match Preview, Saturday, 21 February

In the Championship, Hull City will face Queens Park Rangers at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, 21 February. This match is set to be a significant clash as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the league table. Hull City, playing at home, will aim to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure a crucial victory.

Queens Park Rangers, meanwhile, will be eager to challenge Hull’s home advantage and claim valuable points on the road. With both teams having plenty to play for, this encounter promises to be a competitive and tightly contested affair. Fans and punters alike will be keeping a close eye on this Championship fixture to see which side emerges on top.

Hull City vs Queens Park Rangers Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Hull City to Win	1.9

Hull City come into this match in fine form and look well placed to secure another win. Given their impressive home record, combined with the attacking threat of Joe Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie, our recommended betting tip is for Hull City to win. Their recent 3-0 victory over QPR and superior league standing give them the edge in this fixture.

• Hull City have scored in 84% of their matches this season, highlighting their consistent attacking threat.
• Queens Park Rangers concede an average of 1.5 goals per match, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that Hull can exploit.
• Hull’s key attackers, Joe Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie, have combined for 22 league goals, making them a formidable duo against QPR’s inconsistent form.

Betting Odds

Hull City are priced as favourites in this Championship clash, with odds of 2.32 reflecting confidence in a home win at the MKM Stadium. Queens Park Rangers, meanwhile, are offered at 3.00 for those backing an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Hull to win	2.32
Draw	3.26
Queens Park Rangers to win	3

The draw is also a viable option at 3.26, underlining the competitive nature of this fixture. For punters, exploring the over 2.5 goals market could be worthwhile, given both teams’ recent attacking displays.

Hull City Analysis & Past Performance

Hull City have experienced mixed results in recent matches, reflecting their current position as 5th in the Championship with 54 points. Their last five games have brought two wins, one draw, and two defeats, indicating a win ratio of 40%. Their most recent outing was a tough 0-4 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup, exposing some defensive frailties.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	Competition	Date
Hull	Chelsea	0 – 4 (Loss)	FA Cup	13 Feb 2026
Hull	Bristol City	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	7 Feb 2026
Hull	Watford	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	3 Feb 2026
Blackburn	Hull	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Hull	Swansea	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	24 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Offensively, Hull City have scored 5 goals in their last five matches, averaging 1.00 goal per game. However, they have conceded 8 goals in the same period, an average of 1.60 goals conceded per match. Notably, they have kept 2 clean sheets in these games, suggesting intermittent defensive solidity.

Home Performance:

• LLDWW

At home, Hull City’s form mirrors their overall record, with a home win ratio of 40% from their last five games. They have scored in 3 out of these 5 matches and conceded in 3, highlighting the need for greater consistency and resilience at the MKM Stadium. Their most notable recent home result was a 2-3 loss to Bristol City, underscoring their vulnerability against high-pressing teams.

Hull City Suspensions & Injuries

Hull City are facing a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injury, notably impacting their midfield and defensive options. Eliot Matazo and Nathan Tinsdale are both out with long-term injuries, which affects Hull’s depth and flexibility in midfield. The absence of Mohamed Belloumi, who is doubtful with a hamstring injury, further complicates their attacking options and will require tactical adjustments from head coach Sergej Jakirović.

Matt Crooks is expected to return in late February, offering a glimmer of hope for Hull’s midfield. His comeback could provide much-needed stability and creativity. Meanwhile, the absences of Darko Gyabi and Semi Ajayi until mid-March due to groin and hamstring injuries, respectively, leave significant gaps in both defence and midfield. This situation may force Hull City to rely on less experienced players or adjust their formation to cope with these absences.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Eliot Matazo	Cruciate ligament injury	Unknown
Nathan Tinsdale	Knee injury	Unknown
Mohamed Belloumi	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Darko Gyabi	Groin injury	Mid March 2026
Semi Ajayi	Hamstring injury	Mid March 2026
Matt Crooks	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026

With key players such as Gyabi and Ajayi unavailable, Hull City may need to adopt a more conservative approach, focusing on strengthening their defensive setup. The tactical impact of these injuries may also influence betting markets, as Hull could struggle to maintain their usual performance levels. The absence of these players is likely to affect Hull’s ability to control the game in midfield and pose a consistent attacking threat, potentially impacting their chances against Queens Park Rangers.

Hull City Key Players

Hull City’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Oli McBurnie, who has impressively netted 12 goals this season. His ability to find the net is crucial for Hull’s offensive strategy, making him a constant danger for Queens Park Rangers’ defence. McBurnie’s physical presence and aerial ability provide a focal point for the team’s attacks, often capitalising on crosses and set-piece opportunities.

Supporting McBurnie in attack is Kyle Joseph, whose pace and agility complement McBurnie’s style, creating a dynamic forward line. In midfield, Regan Slater and John Lundstram play pivotal roles in dictating play and breaking up opposition attacks. Their ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively is vital for maintaining midfield dominance. Defensively, the experienced John Egan anchors the backline, providing leadership and organisation essential for thwarting opposition threats.

Expected lineup for Hull City:

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defenders: Patrick McNair, John Egan, Charlie Hughes
• Midfielders: Lewie Coyle, Regan Slater, John Lundstram, Ryan Giles, Joe Gelhardt
• Forwards: Kyle Joseph, Oli McBurnie

Hull City Tactics and Formation

Hull City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Expected 4-1-4-1
• Key Forward: Lewis Koumas
• Midfield Pivot: Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater
• Defensive Strength: Strong central defence but vulnerable to wide attacks
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession-based play and quick transitions.

Hull City, under Sergej Jakirović, often employ a 4-1-4-1 formation that allows for a balance between defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. The midfield is orchestrated by Amir Hadžiahmetović and Regan Slater, who are essential in maintaining possession and distributing the ball effectively.

Defensively, Hull rely heavily on the experience of Patrick McNair and John Egan in central defence, supported by the tenacity of Lewie Coyle on the right flank. However, they have shown vulnerability to wide attacks, as was evident in their recent 0-4 defeat against Chelsea.

Offensively, the team focus on quick transitions and capitalising on possession. Lewis Koumas, as the lone striker, will be pivotal in converting these opportunities, supported by wingers Ryan Giles and Liam Millar, who provide width and pace.

Queens Park Rangers Analysis & Past Performance

Queens Park Rangers have endured a challenging spell in recent weeks, with mixed results. In their last five matches, QPR have managed only one win, alongside two draws and two defeats. This inconsistent run includes a significant 1-3 loss against Blackburn at home, followed by a goalless draw away at Charlton. Their performance statistics show an average of 1.00 goal scored per match, while conceding 1.40 goals on average, underlining defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Queens Park Rangers	Blackburn	1 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	14 Feb 2026
Charlton	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	6 Feb 2026
Queens Park Rangers	Coventry	2 – 1 (Win)	Championship	31 Jan 2026
Queens Park Rangers	Wrexham	2 – 3 (Loss)	Championship	24 Jan 2026
Oxford	Queens Park Rangers	0 – 0 (Draw)	Championship	20 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Away from home, QPR have struggled to secure victories, with no wins in their last five away fixtures, resulting in three draws and two losses. This away form is characterised by a lack of attacking firepower, as they have only managed to score in three of these encounters. Furthermore, QPR have kept two clean sheets in these matches, indicating sporadic defensive resilience. The team’s league position at 13th, with 44 points, reflects their mid-table standing as they strive to improve and climb the table.

The top scorer, Rumarn Burrell, remains a key attacking figure with 10 goals this season, yet the team’s reliance on his contributions highlights a need for greater attacking support. Overall, QPR’s current win ratio stands at 20%, with an away win ratio of just 10%, illustrating their need to improve both offensively and defensively as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Hull City.

• LDWLD

Queens Park Rangers Suspensions & Injuries

Queens Park Rangers face a challenging situation with several key injuries ahead of their match against Hull City. Ziyad Larkeche and Karamoko Dembélé are both sidelined with long-term cruciate ligament injuries, limiting options in defence and attack. More immediately concerning are the doubts over Ilias Chair and Jonathan Varane, whose muscle and knee injuries, respectively, cast uncertainty over their availability. Their potential absences could significantly impact the team’s creativity and defensive stability.

The hamstring injuries of Rumarn Burrell and Kwame Poku, along with Justin Obikwu’s muscle injury, further strain Queens Park Rangers’ squad depth. These injuries, expected to heal by late February, may force manager Julien Stéphan to rely on less experienced players or alter his tactical approach to remain competitive.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Ziyad Larkeche	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid April 2026
Ilias Chair	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Jonathan Varane	Knee injury	Doubtful
Rumarn Burrell	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Kwame Poku	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Karamoko Dembélé	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Justin Obikwu	Muscle injury	Late February 2026

With no suspensions affecting the squad, the focus remains on how Stéphan will navigate these injury challenges. The tactical impact could see a shift in formation or a more conservative setup to compensate for the lack of first-choice players. This scenario might influence betting markets, as Queens Park Rangers’ reduced strength could give Hull City an edge.

Queens Park Rangers Key Players

Queens Park Rangers will look to their dynamic forward line to make an impact, despite the absence of their top scorer, Rumarn Burrell, due to injury. In his stead, Koki Saito, an agile forward known for his quick feet and sharp instincts inside the box, will be crucial in unlocking Hull City’s defence. Richard Koné, another forward, brings physical presence and aerial prowess, which could be pivotal in set-piece situations.

In midfield, Isaac Hayden stands out as a key player, providing a blend of defensive solidity and transitional play. His partnership with Nicolas Madsen is expected to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game. At the back, the experienced Steve Cook will marshal the defence, using his tactical awareness and leadership to organise and repel Hull City’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Queens Park Rangers

• Goalkeeper: Joe Walsh
• Defenders: Ronnie Edwards, Jimmy Dunne, Steve Cook, Rhys Norrington-Davies
• Midfielders: Nicolas Madsen, Isaac Hayden, Harvey Vale
• Forwards: Koki Saito, Paul Smyth, Richard Koné

Queens Park Rangers Tactics and Formation

Queens Park Rangers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Richard Koné
• Midfield Pivot: Nicolas Madsen and Isaac Hayden
• Defensive Resilience: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Maintaining possession and exploiting set-pieces.

In recent matches, Queens Park Rangers have adopted a 4-5-1 formation, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. The midfield, anchored by Nicolas Madsen and Isaac Hayden, is crucial in maintaining possession and dictating the tempo of the game.

Defensively, the team have shown resilience, achieving two clean sheets in their last five outings. The backline, featuring Ronnie Edwards and Jimmy Dunne, has been pivotal in repelling opposition attacks and maintaining defensive solidity.

Offensively, QPR often look to capitalise on set-pieces and the individual prowess of Richard Koné, who spearheads the attack. Despite the recent 1-3 loss to Blackburn, their strategy of controlling possession and seeking opportunities from wide areas remains a key element of their game plan.

Hull City vs Queens Park Rangers Head-to-Head Record

Hull City and Queens Park Rangers have faced each other 27 times, with Hull securing 10 wins, QPR claiming 9 victories, and 8 matches ending in a draw. The most recent encounter saw QPR edge Hull City 3-2 in the Championship, showcasing their recent upper hand in this fixture.

The last time Hull City hosted QPR at the MKM Stadium, they suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat in January 2025. Historically, Hull have been slightly more successful at home, but recent results suggest a competitive edge for QPR.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Queens Park Rangers	Hull City	3 – 2	Championship	2025-11-22
Hull City	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 2	Championship	2025-01-21
Queens Park Rangers	Hull City	1 – 3	Championship	2024-10-01
Hull City	Queens Park Rangers	3 – 0	Championship	2024-04-13
Queens Park Rangers	Hull City	2 – 0	Championship	2023-12-09