Overview
- Hull frame the trip as a chance to respond to the 4-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough earlier in December.
- Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg urges his side to avoid complacency and focus on composure after mixed festive results.
- Hull’s Matt Crooks calls for belief and says the earlier loss adds motivation to take three points on Teesside.
- Squad availability shapes selection plans, with Hull missing Mohamed Belloumi, John Lundstram, Joe Gelhardt and Eliot Matazo, and Semi Ajayi away on international duty.
- Middlesbrough’s resources are stretched after Boxing Day knocks, with Darragh Lenihan and Riley McGree ruled out as the hosts defend one of the league’s top home records.