Hull City vs Watford Prediction 03.02.2026 | Championship

Currently sitting fourth in the Championship standings, Hull City have emerged as one of the division’s most compelling stories under the guidance of Sergej Jakirovic, collecting an impressive 50-point haul from their 28 league assignments so far.

The Tigers head into Tuesday’s contest in rich vein of form, having recorded four victories in their last five league outings — a run that has firmly established them as genuine contenders for automatic promotion. They now sit just five points behind second-placed Middlesbrough, with a game in hand, leaving the door wide open for a serious push toward the top two.

However, if Hull are to keep pace in the promotion race, they will need to tighten up defensively and show greater discipline at the back. Conceding 40 goals to date is a worrying figure compared to their fellow promotion chasers, even if their attack has often been sharp enough to compensate and keep the momentum rolling.

Jakirovic’s tactical plans are also being tested by a growing injury crisis, with as many as eight players currently sidelined. Influential midfielder Matt Crooks remains out with a hamstring issue, while defensive mainstay Ryan Giles is also unavailable with an unspecified problem.

Currently sitting 10th in the Championship standings, Watford head to the MKM Stadium hoping to ignite a late push towards the playoff places after a frustrating spell of inconsistency throughout the opening month of 2026.

Javi Gracia’s men have found themselves stuck in neutral for large parts of the campaign, with 10 draws from 29 league matches earning them an unwanted reputation as draw specialists. If they are to keep their playoff ambitions alive, those stalemates must start turning into victories.

The Hornets’ momentum suffered a major setback at the weekend, as they were beaten 2-0 at home by bottom-half Swansea City — a disappointing collapse that extended their winless run to five matches across all competitions (D2 L3).

Watford will also make the trip without Australian winger Nestory Irankunda, who is suspended after receiving a straight red card on Saturday, while Rocco Vata remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not expected back until at least mid-February.