Hull vs Watford Prediction & Match Preview (Sunday, 4 January)

Hull City will face Watford in a compelling Championship clash at the MKM Stadium on Sunday, 4 January. Both sides are eager to make a significant impact in the league standings, with Hull aiming to make the most of their home advantage. The MKM Stadium is set to be lively as Hull look to secure crucial points against a Watford team that has shown resilience in recent fixtures.

This fixture is particularly important as both Hull City and Watford are vying for strong positions in the Championship table. Hull’s home performances have been a cornerstone of their campaign, while Watford will be determined to disrupt their hosts’ ambitions. With both clubs eyeing promotion, this encounter promises to be fiercely competitive and is a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Hull vs Watford Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Hull City vs Watford – Bet on Both Teams to Score (BTTS: Yes)	1.9

Given the recent defensive weaknesses of both teams and their history of scoring against one another, our recommended betting tip is ‘Both Teams to Score (BTTS)’. This selection is supported by the statistics and current form of Hull City and Watford, pointing towards an open contest with goals at both ends.

• Hull City have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
• Watford have scored in 75% of their away matches this season, demonstrating their ability to find the net on the road.
• Both teams have an even head-to-head record, indicating a closely contested match where both are likely to score.

Betting Odds

Hull City and Watford face off in what is expected to be a tightly contested Championship match. The betting odds reflect a close encounter, with Watford slightly favoured at 2.50, while Hull City are not far behind at 2.74. A draw, priced at 3.26, could appeal to those anticipating a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
Hull Victory	2.74
Draw	3.26
Watford Victory	2.5

Given both teams’ recent form, punters may find value in the over 2.5 goals market, as well as considering both teams to score. With the unpredictable nature of the Championship, this match presents intriguing betting opportunities.

Hull City: Analysis & Recent Performance

Hull City currently sit 5th in the Championship with 41 points, marking a solid campaign so far. Their recent form has been somewhat mixed, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. A recent home defeat to Stoke City (0-1) exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, especially as they failed to capitalise on 52% possession and 15 shots.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
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
Hull	West Brom	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Millwall	Hull	1 – 3 (Win)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LWDWW

Hull City’s attack has been effective, averaging 1.40 goals per game over their last five fixtures, with Joe Gelhardt a standout contributor, having scored 10 goals this season. Defensively, Hull have been relatively solid, conceding just 0.80 goals per match in the same period and keeping two clean sheets. However, their home form has been less impressive, with two wins and three losses in their last five at the MKM Stadium, indicating a need for improvement in front of their own supporters.

Hull City: Suspensions & Injuries

Hull City face significant challenges ahead of their clash with Watford, with key players such as Eliot Matazo and Nathan Tinsdale sidelined due to injury. Both are expected to return by mid-January, and their absence will be felt, particularly in midfield where Matazo’s dynamism is crucial. The injury list also includes Brandon Williams and Joe Gelhardt, whose calf injuries make their participation uncertain, potentially weakening Hull’s defensive and attacking options.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Anticipated Return
Semi Ajayi	International Duty	1	Unknown

The suspension of Semi Ajayi, who is away on international duty, further complicates Hull’s defensive setup. With one match remaining on his absence, Hull will need to rely on the likes of John Egan and Charlie Hughes to fill the void. Ajayi’s absence could force Hull to adopt a more cautious approach to maintain defensive stability.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Eliot Matazo	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid January 2026
Nathan Tinsdale	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Brandon Williams	Calf Injury	Mid January 2026
Joe Gelhardt	Calf Injury	Doubtful
John Lundstram	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Mohamed Belloumi	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026
Ryan Giles	Hamstring Injury	Late January 2026

With several key players unavailable, tactical flexibility will be vital for coach Sergej Jakirovic. The potential return of some players in mid-January could provide a timely boost, but for now, Hull must navigate these absences by possibly integrating younger talents or adjusting their formation. These challenges could influence the betting markets, with Watford potentially having the edge due to Hull’s depleted squad.

Hull City: Key Players

Hull City’s attacking threat is led by Joe Gelhardt, the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. Gelhardt’s movement and clinical finishing make him a pivotal figure in Hull’s attack. However, with his status uncertain, Hull may rely more heavily on Oliver McBurnie, whose physical presence and aerial prowess can unsettle defences. McBurnie’s partnership with Kyle Joseph up front is expected to be influential, with Joseph providing pace and agility to complement McBurnie’s strength.

Midfield dynamo Regan Slater is central to Hull’s tactical approach, offering both defensive solidity and the ability to drive forward with the ball. In defence, John Egan’s leadership and experience are vital, especially in organising the backline. His partnership with Charlie Hughes could be crucial in maintaining a strong defensive structure.

Expected lineup for Hull City:

• Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
• Defence: Lewie Coyle, John Egan, Charlie Hughes, Akin Famewo
• Midfield: Matt Crooks, Regan Slater, Darko Gyabi
• Forward: Kyle Joseph, Liam Millar, Oliver McBurnie

Hull City: Tactics & Formation

Hull City Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Oliver McBurnie
• Midfield Pivot: Regan Slater and Matt Crooks
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting wide areas.

Hull City, under Sergej Jakirovic, typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup allows for a structured defence while supporting fluid attacking play. The central midfield pairing of Regan Slater and Matt Crooks is instrumental in both breaking up opposition play and initiating Hull’s offensive movements.

In attack, Hull look to utilise the width provided by wingers such as Liam Millar. Oliver McBurnie, as the focal point up front, is crucial for converting chances and holding up play to bring midfielders into attacking positions.

Defensively, Hull have shown resilience, achieving two clean sheets in their last five matches. The backline, including players like John Egan and Charlie Hughes, is tasked with maintaining solidity and limiting opposition opportunities, as shown by their recent ability to control possession and restrict shots conceded.

Watford: Analysis & Recent Performance

Watford’s recent form has been impressive, as the team are enjoying a strong run. Over the last five matches, Watford have secured four wins and one draw, boasting a win ratio of 80%. Their latest result was a convincing 3-0 home win against Birmingham City, highlighting robust performances both offensively and defensively.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Watford	Birmingham	3 – 0 (Win)	Championship	1 Jan 2026
Norwich	Watford	0 – 1 (Win)	Championship	29 Dec 2025
Leicester	Watford	1 – 2 (Win)	Championship	26 Dec 2025
Watford	Stoke	1 – 0 (Win)	Championship	20 Dec 2025
Wrexham	Watford	2 – 2 (Draw)	Championship	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Watford have been prolific in attack, averaging 1.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Their defence has also been resolute, conceding an average of just 0.60 goals per match and keeping three clean sheets in this period. These statistics underline a well-balanced team capable of both scoring and defending effectively.

Watford’s away form has been solid, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five away matches, reflecting a 60% win rate on the road. This consistency away from home is crucial as they prepare to face Hull City. Additionally, with a current league standing of 4th and 41 points, Watford remain a formidable force in the Championship, driven by key players such as top scorer Luca Kjerrumgaard, who has netted eight goals this season.

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Watford: Suspensions & Injuries

Watford face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Mamadou Doumbia and Edo Kayembe, both away on international duty, could impact the midfield’s stability and defensive capabilities. This may force coach Javi Gracia to reshuffle his lineup, possibly bringing in players such as Hector Kyprianou or Othmane Maamma to fill the gaps.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mamadou Doumbia	International duty	1	Unknown
Edo Kayembe	International duty	1	Unknown

Injuries to Jack Grieves, Rocco Vata, Caleb Wiley, and Pierre Dwomoh further complicate Watford’s preparations. These injuries, mainly affecting the midfield, could see increased reliance on less experienced players or a tactical shift to accommodate available squad members. The return of these players in mid to late January will be eagerly anticipated as Watford seek to maintain their competitive edge.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jack Grieves	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Rocco Vata	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Caleb Wiley	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Pierre Dwomoh	Thigh injury	Mid January 2026

These absences may influence betting markets, with Watford’s squad depth being tested. Punters could see value in Hull City’s chances, given Watford’s depleted options. Tactical adjustments will be crucial for Watford to mitigate these losses and sustain their form.

Watford: Key Players

Luca Kjerrumgaard stands out as Watford’s top scorer, having netted 8 goals this season. His sharp finishing and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to any defence. Kjerrumgaard’s link-up play with Giorgi Chakvetadze, who is expected to support him in attack, will be crucial. Chakvetadze’s creativity and vision could be key to unlocking Hull City’s defence.

In midfield, Imran Louza and Tom Ince are pivotal. Louza’s control and distribution set the tempo for Watford, while Ince’s ability to drive forward and create chances could prove decisive. Defensively, the presence of Mattie Pollock and James Abankwah will be vital in maintaining a solid backline against Hull’s attacking threats. Their coordination and defensive resilience are essential to Watford’s tactical approach.

Expected lineup for Watford:

• Goalkeeper: Egil Selvik
• Defenders: James Abankwah, Max Alleyne, Mattie Pollock, Marc Bola
• Midfielders: Othmane Maamma, Hector Kyprianou, Imran Louza, Tom Ince
• Forwards: Giorgi Chakvetadze, Luca Kjerrumgaard

Watford: Tactics & Formation

Watford Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Not specified
• Key Forward: Luca Kjerrumgaard
• Midfield Pivot: Hector Kyprianou and Imran Louza
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and effective wing play.

With Javi Gracia at the helm, Watford have demonstrated a flexible approach to formations, often adapting based on the opposition. Luca Kjerrumgaard, their top scorer with 8 goals, is vital to their attacking setup. The midfield, led by Hector Kyprianou and Imran Louza, balances defensive duties with creative distribution, which is essential for initiating swift transitions.

Defensively, Watford have been robust, securing three clean sheets in their last five matches, indicating a strong rearguard. Players like James Abankwah and Mattie Pollock in defence have been instrumental in maintaining this solidity, working cohesively to thwart opposition attacks.

In attack, Watford tend to employ high pressing tactics, utilising the pace and creativity of wingers such as Giorgi Chakvetadze and Tom Ince. This strategy not only disrupts the opponent’s build-up play but also creates opportunities for quick counterattacks, making them a formidable side in transition.

Hull City vs Watford: Head-to-Head Record

Hull City and Watford have an even head-to-head record, with both sides securing 8 wins each and 6 draws from their 22 meetings. The most recent encounter saw Watford edge out Hull City 2-1 at Vicarage Road in the Championship. Hull will be eager to reverse their fortunes at home this time.

The last time Hull City hosted Watford, the match ended in a 1-1 draw in December 2024. Hull have managed to score more goals overall in these fixtures, with 25 compared to Watford’s 19, suggesting they might have the edge in attack when playing at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Watford	Hull City	2 – 1	Championship	2025-09-27
Watford	Hull City	1 – 0	Championship	2025-04-08
Hull City	Watford	1 – 1	Championship	2024-12-11
Watford	Hull City	0 – 0	Championship	2024-04-20
Hull City	Watford	1 – 2	Championship	2023-12-02