Hull City will meet Middlesbrough at Wembley in what promises to be a memorable Championship play-off final. The Tigers' journey has been remarkable - surviving relegation on goal difference last May before appointing Sergej Jakirovic. Despite a three-window transfer embargo, they defied expectations to reach the final.

Manager Jakirovic criticized the 'Spygate' controversy surrounding Southampton's training ground incident, calling his side 'collateral damage' during the semi-final disruption. Hull secured their final spot by defeating Millwall, who finished three places higher in the table. They'll be without forward Kyle Joseph through injury.

Middlesbrough's path to Wembley has been equally dramatic. Rob Edwards departed for Wolves mid-season, leading to Kim Hellberg's appointment. The Swede guided them to the top of the Championship by February, but a late-season slump saw them drop to fifth place. Their semi-final against Southampton became embroiled in the Spygate scandal before they were reinstated.

Influential captain Hayden Hackney returns from a groin injury, though Tommy Conway misses out with an ankle problem. Both clubs chase Premier League promotion after seasons that delivered unexpected drama.