Hull City vs Derby County: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 24 February 2026
On Tuesday, Hull City will host Derby County at the MKM Stadium in a crucial Championship clash. Both teams are battling for playoff spots, and this direct encounter could significantly impact the race at the top of the table. I’m tipping a bet on the total goals in this contest, which looks promising given the circumstances.
- See also: Swansea City vs Preston North End: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 24 February 2026
Match preview
The Tigers sit fifth after 32 rounds with 54 points (16 wins, 6 draws, 10 losses), but approach this fixture on the back of a three-game winless streak. In the last round, they suffered a 1-3 defeat to Queens Park Rangers, and their form has dipped at a crucial stage of the season. However, they’re still six points ahead of Derby, and a win on Tuesday would solidify their playoff position.
Recent history is a concern for Hull fans — the club hasn’t beaten Derby in six straight matches, losing five of those. Their last victory dates back to October 2019. Squad issues are mounting as well: Ajayi, Gyabi, Matazo, Crooks, Collier, and Belloumi are all sidelined, while Hirakawa remains doubtful after picking up a knock against QPR.
The Rams lost their last outing to Watford (0-2), complicating their top-six chase — they now trail sixth place by three points. Still, John Eustace’s side are confident on the road and have a strong record against Hull: the manager has won all three of his away games against the Tigers, keeping a clean sheet each time.
Derby can set a new milestone with a third consecutive away win at Hull — something they’ve never achieved before. Another reason for optimism is their 11-game unbeaten run in midweek league fixtures (7 wins, 4 draws), conceding just five goals in that span. The absences of Langas and Johnston limit their rotation, but Carlton Morris — who found the net against Hull in the reverse fixture — is ready to spearhead the attack from the start.
Probable lineups
- Hull City: Pandur, Giles, McNair, Egan, Coyle, Hadziahmetovic, Slater, Dowell, Gelhardt, Millar, McBurnie
- Derby County: Vickers, Ward, Sanderson, Clarke, Forsyth, Ozoh, Travis, Brereton Diaz, Szmodics, Brewster, Morris
Match facts and head-to-head
- Hull are winless in their last six matches against Derby, losing five.
- John Eustace has won all three of his away games against the Tigers without conceding a goal.
- Derby are unbeaten in their last 11 midweek league matches.
Prediction
Hull are struggling for form, while Derby remain defensively disciplined under Eustace. Considering the head-to-head statistics and the visitors’ strong midweek record, the edge goes to the Rams. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair with a slight advantage to the visitors.
