Hull vs Blackburn Prediction FA Cup 11.01.2026
Hull vs Blackburn Prediction FA Cup
Hull vs Blackburn Prediction and Betting Tips for the FA Cup, scheduled for January 11, 2026, at 14:30 GMT. The match will be broadcast live on Discovery+ and TNT Sports 7. The MKM Stadium sets the stage for this third round encounter, where the Tigers are desperate to shake off a persistent “third round curse” that has haunted them since 2020. It is a fascinating matchup, especially considering Hull is flying high in the promotion race while Blackburn is looking over its shoulder at the bottom three. In this article, you’ll discover FA Cup Predictions from XpertStats tipsters.
- Hull City enters this fixture after a frustrating 1-0 defeat at home against Stoke City lately.
- The Tigers are currently seventh in the Championship, just missing the playoff spots on goal difference.
- Hull has struggled in the FA Cup recently, exiting in the third round for four years.
- Blackburn Rovers sit just four points above the relegation zone after a very difficult league run.
- The Rovers have managed only one victory in their last ten matches across all competitions lately.
- Blackburn boasts a decent away record, losing only once in their last seven games on road.
Hull City comes into this one with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They were rolling on a five match unbeaten streak before Stoke City came to town and spoiled the party on New Year’s Day. Even so, Sergej Jakirovic has turned this side into one of the most exciting attacking units in the Championship. They move the ball well and usually find the net, although missing the clinical Joe Gelhardt to a calf injury definitely hurts. Still, with Oli McBurnie leading the line, you have to wonder if Blackburn’s shaky defense can hold firm for ninety minutes. It is a big test of depth for the Tigers, especially with Dillon Phillips expected to get a rare start in goal.
On the other side of the pitch, Blackburn Rovers are a bit of a mystery right now. They showed incredible heart to come back from two goals down against Charlton Athletic last week, thanks to Moussa Baradji, but their general form is quite worrying. Valerien Ismael seems to have his hands full with a relegation scrap, and word around the camp is that he might rest key players like Baradji to focus on league survival. That is a bold move but maybe the right one considering their current standing. Plus, they are dealing with a nasty injury list, including a broken leg for Ryan Hedges and a hamstring issue for their top scorer, Gudjohnsen. Can they really find a spark without their main threats?
Historically, Rovers have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 37 of the 74 meetings between these two. They even gave Hull a proper 3-0 thumping earlier this season at the MKM. But football is a game of “what have you done for me lately,” and right now, Blackburn is struggling for goals. Only a couple of teams in the league have scored fewer than them this season. That said, they have been strangely resilient on the road, picking up points in places most people wouldn’t expect. It makes this FA Cup Predictions analysis a bit tricky because you never quite know which Blackburn will show up.
I expect a somewhat cagey affair here. Hull will likely dominate possession and try to break down a Blackburn side that might be sitting a bit deeper than usual. With rotation expected on both sides, the rhythm might be a little off, leading to a match of fine margins. Hull has the home advantage and the superior morale, but the FA Cup always has a way of throwing a curveball. It is hard to say how this will end definitively, but the Tigers look like the side with more tools in the shed right now. Still, don’t be surprised if Rovers try to grind out a result to keep their season alive.
Blackburn Rovers head coach Valerien Ismael is seeking the perfect balance between squad rotation and competitive ambition ahead of their FA Cup third-round clash at Hull City. Despite a fatigue-inducing festive schedule and lingering injury concerns, Ismael insists that Rovers' core tactical principles and desire to progress remain unchanged, potentially offering opportunities for Academy graduates and returning players to impress at the MKM Stadium.
| GK | D. Phillips |
| DF | L. Coyle, J. Egan, C. Hughes, A. Famewo |
| MF | Slater, Crooks Ndala, Gyabi, Millar |
| FW | McBurnie |
| OUT |
K. Joseph(QUES),
I. Pandur(QUES),
Gelhardt(OUT)
|
| GK | B. Toth |
| DF | Atcheson, McLoughlin, E. Cashin |
| MF | Miller, Gardner-Hickman, Tronstad, Pickering Cantwell |
| FW | Henriksson, Ohashi |
| OUT |
Baradji(QUES),
A. Pears(QUES),
R. Hedges(OUT),
Gudjohnsen(OUT),
R. Alebiosu(OUT)
|
Hull City is currently enjoying a much stronger season than Blackburn Rovers, sitting on the edge of the playoff positions. Their home form at the MKM Stadium has been relatively consistent, losing only once in their last several outings before the Stoke slip-up. Blackburn, meanwhile, is in a state of crisis, having won just once in their last ten games. With Valerien Ismael likely to rotate his squad to prioritize Championship survival, Hull’s superior depth and motivation to break their third-round exit streak should shine through. The Tigers have an offensive edge even without Gelhardt, as McBurnie remains a constant threat. Taking the Double Chance on Hull is a safe play because even if the game ends in a stalemate, Hull has enough defensive structure with Egan and Hughes to prevent a total collapse against a Blackburn side that struggles to find the back of the net.
The reasoning for Under 3.5 Goals lies in the current playing styles and availability of key personnel. Both managers are likely to tinker with their lineups, which usually results in a lack of cohesion in the final third. Blackburn’s strategy away from home has often been to frustrate the opponent and play for the draw or a narrow win, which aligns perfectly with a low-scoring game. Hull has kept three clean sheets in their last six matches, proving that they have the defensive discipline to shut out a struggling Rovers attack. Additionally, the heavy winter schedule often leads to fatigue, resulting in slower tempos and fewer high-intensity attacking bursts. With both teams missing their most prolific outlets, the probability of seeing four or more goals is statistically low. This fixture has "low-scoring affair" written all over it as both clubs navigate a busy January.
Watch Hull vs Blackburn Last Match Highlights
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FAQ – Hull vs Blackburn Prediction
Who is the favorite to win between Hull and Blackburn?
Hull City are the favorites given their strong league position and home advantage, while Blackburn is currently struggling near the bottom of the table.
Where can I watch the Hull vs Blackburn live?
The Hull vs Blackburn (FA Cup) match will be broadcast live on Discovery+ and TNT Sports 7.
What time does Hull vs Blackburn start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 14:30 (GMT) on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Are there any major injuries for this match?
Hull is missing Joe Gelhardt, while Blackburn is without Ryan Hedges and their top scorer Gudjohnsen.
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Alexandru Florin is a football betting expert, providing tips and accumulator predictions for xpertstats.com since 2022. With a strong focus on data-driven analysis, he delivers well-researched insights and reliable advice for bettors aiming for long-term profit.
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