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Prediction published on Jan 9, 2026 3:12 PM by Dario in England - FA Cup | Modified on Jan 9, 2026 3:12 PM
The FA Cup third round brings an intriguing clash between two EFL Championship sides as Hull City host Blackburn Rovers at the MKM Stadium. This will be the sixth time these teams face each other in this competition, and both will be eager to progress to the next stage. Hull are enjoying a strong league campaign, while Blackburn are struggling near the bottom of the table. The contrast in form sets the stage for a fascinating encounter in front of the home crowd.
Hull City have been one of the most consistent sides in the Championship this season, collecting 41 points from 25 matches and sitting just outside the promotion places. Their recent form has been solid, with three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five outings. The only setback came in a narrow 0-1 loss to Stoke City on January 1, which ended a five-match unbeaten streak. During that run, the Tigers averaged 1.4 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game, underlining their balance between attack and defense.
Despite their league success, Hull’s FA Cup record has been less impressive in recent years. They have fallen at the third-round stage in each of the last four editions, a trend they will be determined to reverse this time. Playing at home could be a decisive factor, as the Tigers have shown resilience and control in front of their supporters. Their last FA Cup meeting with Blackburn came in the 2017–18 season, when they secured a 1-0 victory. That result will give them confidence heading into this tie.
Blackburn Rovers enter this fixture in a more precarious position. They currently sit in the lower reaches of the Championship table, maintaining only a small cushion above the relegation zone. Their most recent league match ended in a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic on January 4, a result that extended their run to one win, three draws, and one defeat in their last five games. The Rovers have averaged 0.8 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match during that period, reflecting a lack of cutting edge in attack but a relatively stable defense.
In contrast to their league struggles, Blackburn have been more successful in the FA Cup in recent seasons. They have advanced beyond the third round in each of the last four campaigns, even reaching the quarter-finals once during that stretch. However, their away form remains a concern. The statistics show that Under 3.5 goals have been scored in 27 of their last 29 matches, and in 19 consecutive away games. Moreover, Under 0.5 goals have been recorded in their last two away fixtures, suggesting a pattern of low-scoring performances on the road.
The historical record between these two sides is fairly balanced. In their last five meetings, Hull City have won three times, while Blackburn Rovers have claimed two victories. The average scoreline across those encounters stands at 1.2 goals scored and 1.4 conceded for Hull, indicating tight and competitive matches. The most recent head-to-head, played on August 23, 2025, ended in a 0-3 win for Blackburn, a result that the Tigers will be eager to avenge.
Given the current form and statistical trends, this fixture is likely to be a cautious affair. Blackburn’s recent matches have consistently produced few goals, while Hull’s defensive organization has been one of their strengths. The data points toward a game where chances may be limited, and the first goal could prove decisive. Hull’s home advantage and superior momentum in the league make them slight favorites to edge this contest, but Blackburn’s FA Cup pedigree cannot be overlooked.
According to the latest probabilities, the match is expected to be closely contested, with Hull City given a 35% chance of winning, a draw at 28%, and a Blackburn Rovers win at 37%. The Both Teams To Score – No option holds a 54% probability, while the Under 2.5 goals market is favored at 59%. These figures align with the teams’ recent performances, particularly Blackburn’s tendency toward low-scoring matches.
Considering the form guide and the statistical outlook, the most plausible scenario is a tight, low-scoring encounter. Hull’s attacking efficiency and home advantage could make the difference, but Blackburn’s defensive discipline might keep the scoreline narrow. The data suggests that Under 2.5 goals is the most likely outcome, reflecting the cautious nature of both sides in recent weeks.
Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers prediction by BetMines: Under 2.5 goals with 59% probability.
This section provides average statistics and percentages on the main markets for the last 10 matches of both teams
Hull City
Blackburn Rovers
Under
Over
Under
Over
0.5
2
8
1
9
1.5
4
6
1
9
2.5
8
2
3
7
3.5
10
0
9
1
4.5
10
0
10
0