By Cole Gallagher / October 19, 2026
Premier League · Matchweek 17 · Dec 26, 2026 · MKM Stadium, Hull · 12:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM GMT
⚽ Hull City vs Liverpool ⚽
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The MKM Stadium hosts a Boxing Day showpiece as Hull City welcome Liverpool, the Humberside crowd relishing the visit of one of the game’s heavyweights. Here is our full breakdown, part of our ongoing coverage of the best sportsbooks for backing every Premier League fixture this season.
Odds Comparison
Both Teams to Score
Total Goals
Team Analysis
Hull City
Hull City are among the division’s smaller, promoted-level sides, and their game plan against elite opposition usually centres on resilience and spirit. On Boxing Day the home crowd will be desperate to see their side compete, and that backing can inspire a battling display. They will likely sit deep, stay compact and look to frustrate their illustrious visitors for as long as possible. Any threat is most likely to come from set pieces or rare counter-attacks. The festive schedule is especially taxing for smaller squads, so keeping legs fresh enough to maintain their shape will be a major challenge.
Key Storyline: Hull must defend for their lives and feed off the festive crowd if they are to trouble Liverpool.
Liverpool
Liverpool are one of the biggest and most accomplished sides in the country, with the quality to dominate games against lesser opponents. Travelling on Boxing Day they will expect to control possession, press high and create a steady flow of chances. Their attacking depth means they can hurt opponents in numerous ways even if the first opening is resisted. Breaking down a deep, well-drilled defence can require patience, which is the main obstacle they face here. With the festive run demanding rotation, their squad strength gives them a clear advantage in keeping quality on the pitch.
Key Storyline: Liverpool will look to overwhelm a deep-lying Hull side with their superior quality and tempo.
Key Betting Angles
This is the type of fixture where Liverpool’s clean-sheet prospects look strong, as Hull may struggle to create much against elite defenders. A home goal cannot be entirely dismissed given Boxing Day unpredictability, but both teams to score is a tougher sell. The totals market often leans on how quickly the favourites break the resistance. If Hull defend deep successfully, the game could stay lower-scoring than expected for a time. Festive fatigue and the sheer occasion add variance, though the gulf in class remains the dominant factor.
We are tracking the full Premier League Matchweek 17 slate, plus everything else on the board, over on worldcupbetting.ca.
Our Prediction
Cole’s Pick: Liverpool to win
The gap in quality between an elite side and a promoted team is substantial, and Liverpool should have far too much on the day. Their attacking depth gives them multiple ways to break down a stubborn home defence. Hull will compete hard in front of their crowd, but holding out for the full ninety minutes is a huge ask. The main risk is simply how long the breakthrough takes rather than the final outcome.
Confidence: high, the class gap strongly favours the visitors
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Cole Gallagher covers soccer betting for WorldCupBetting.ca, specialising in match predictions, odds analysis and tournament futures. Based in Toronto, he has followed the Canadian men’s national team since their 2022 qualifying campaign and brings a line-shopping, data-first approach to every pick.