Hull vs Blackburn: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 11, 2026
On Sunday, January 11, in the FA Cup Round of 32, Hull will face off against Blackburn. Read on for a closer look at both teams and our match prediction.
Match preview
Hull come into this clash in fine form. After a disastrous last season, when the team narrowly avoided relegation, the Tigers are now fighting for a Championship playoff spot and a chance at Premier League promotion. Over their last six matches, Hull have suffered just one defeat—against Stoke City (0-1)—drawn once (2-2 with Sheffield Wednesday), and picked up four wins, keeping clean sheets in three of those encounters. It's also worth noting that Hull missed their previous home fixture due to a frozen pitch at the MKM Stadium, which means the squad is coming into this match fresher than their opponents.
This FA Cup campaign marks Hull's first involvement in the tournament this season. Recent years have seen the club struggle in the competition, with early exits being the norm—most often at the opening hurdle. The last time Hull made it past the first round was back in 2020, when they beat Fleetwood 2-0. However, fans fondly remember the Tigers' 2014 cup run, when they reached the FA Cup final and only lost to Arsenal 2-3 in extra time.
Blackburn, on the other hand, are enduring a tough season compared to last year and are currently battling to avoid relegation from the Championship. The team sits 20th in the table, just four points clear of the drop zone. Over their last ten matches, Rovers have managed just one win—against Millwall (2-0). In the latest round of the Championship, Blackburn drew 2-2 with table neighbors Charlton.
Like Hull, Blackburn are also starting their FA Cup journey at this stage. Last season, Rovers scraped past Middlesbrough in the opening round but were knocked out by Premier League side Wolves, losing 0-2. This year, they once again face a familiar league rival in their cup opener.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Three of Hull’s last four matches have featured fewer than two goals.
- Blackburn are winless in their last four matches.
- Four of Blackburn’s last five games have seen under three goals scored.
- In their last ten head-to-head meetings, Blackburn have the slight edge with five wins. Hull have claimed victory four times, with one match ending in a draw.
- These sides have already met once this Championship season, with Blackburn cruising to a 3-0 win.
- Hull and Blackburn have met just once in the FA Cup before—back in 2018, when Hull edged a narrow 1-0 victory.
Probable lineups
- Hull: Phillips — Coyle, Egan, Hughes, Famewo — Slater, Crooks, Gyabi — Joseph, Millar, McBurnie
- Blackburn: Tóth — Atcheson, McLoughlin, Pratt — Miller, Gardner-Hickman, Trondstad, Pickering — Cantwell, Baradji, Ohashi
Prediction
I don't expect fireworks in this game. This season, both teams have often been involved in low-scoring Championship encounters, with goals at a premium. I predict a similar scenario here—my tip is for under 3 total goals.
