Hull City and Millwall commenced their Championship playoff semi-final first leg on Friday, May 8, 2026, with a 8pm BST kick-off at the MKM Stadium. The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, represents a crucial step for both clubs vying for promotion to the Premier League. This fixture marks the second encounter between the two sides at Hull's home ground within a short timeframe, with the added intensity of a place in the Wembley final at stake.
Millwall narrowly missed automatic promotion, finishing a single point shy of the top two despite a final-day victory. Their strong defensive record, boasting a league-high 18 clean sheets, positions them as a formidable opponent. Hull City, meanwhile, enters the tie having lost just once in their last five home games against Millwall.
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Past Encounters and Form
Recent history between Hull City and Millwall shows a closely contested rivalry. Millwall secured a notable 3-1 victory at Hull City on March 7, 2026. However, historical data indicates Hull City has held the advantage in home fixtures, with only one loss in their last five home matches against Millwall.
| Date | Venue | Hull City vs Millwall | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 7, 2026 | Hull City | 1-3 | Championship |
| Aug 24, 2024 | Hull City | 0-0 | Championship |
| Feb 3, 2024 | Hull City | 1-0 | Championship |
| April 10, 2023 | Hull City | 1-0 | Championship |
| Nov 27, 2021 | Hull City | 2-1 | Championship |
| July 11, 2020 | Hull City | 0-1 | Championship |
Team News and Considerations
Millwall manager Neil is reportedly assessing the fitness of striker Josh Coburn, who was sidelined for their win against Oxford United due to a hip issue. Hull City has not yet released confirmed team news. Statistical analysis suggests a disparity in expected goals (xG) between the two sides this season, with Hull City accumulating a significantly higher cumulative xG in their previous matchups against Millwall (5.07 xG vs 2.2 xG). This could indicate a reliance on defensive solidity for Millwall.
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The narrative around Millwall includes a perspective that their "togetherness and spirit," rather than substantial financial backing, makes them an appealing prospect for the Premier League. Hull City, on the other hand, enters this playoff campaign with the ambition of securing a place in the Wembley final, having come from behind in their previous match against Norwich City. Millwall's past playoff campaigns in the second tier have seen them eliminated at the semi-final stage in 1990/91, 1993/94, and 2001/02.
