Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers

Can Ilıcalı’s Tigers Book Their FA Cup Progress?

Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers ,The magic of the FA Cup is back — and on 11 January 2026, one of the most intriguing Third Round clashes sees Hull City host Blackburn Rovers at the MKM Stadium. It’s not just another cup tie. This match feels like a statement moment for Hull City: a club rebuilding its identity, re-energised by investment, ambition, and the leadership of Turkish businessman Acun Ilıcalı.

Hull have looked sharper and more confident this season, while Blackburn have struggled for consistency. But as any football fan knows, the FA Cup doesn’t care about league position. It rewards mentality, efficiency, and sometimes pure chaos.

So… can Hull City keep their momentum and make it through to the next round? Let’s break down the match with form analysis, tactical expectations, key players, and why this fixture matters far beyond 90 minutes.

Why This FA Cup Third Round Tie Matters

The Third Round is where the FA Cup truly becomes the nation’s obsession. It’s the stage that often separates teams who treat the cup as a distraction from those who see it as a serious opportunity.

For Hull City, progressing would mean:

• Momentum and confidence for their Championship campaign
• A financial boost from further cup rounds
• The chance to potentially draw a Premier League giant
• Another showcase event for the club under Ilıcalı’s ownership

For Blackburn, a win could be a season-changer — giving supporters something to believe in during a difficult league run.

Hull City’s owner Acun Ilıcalı has expressed his dream of progressing beyond the third round, noting it’s been elusive since he took over nearly four years ago. He believes both teams are strong, but sees this as a key chance for glory.

Hull City’s 2025/26 Season: A Club on the Rise

Hull City have entered 2026 with a sense of purpose. They’ve been far more structured, energetic, and assertive than in recent campaigns. Their league form has placed them close to the play-off positions, making them one of the Championship’s more dangerous outfits. Currently sitting in 7th place in the Championship table, the Tigers boast a solid home record and are unbeaten in eight of their last 11 home matches across all competitions.

What Hull Are Doing Right

Hull’s improvement this year has been driven by:

• Better balance between attack and defensive shape
• Stronger home performances
• More intensity in midfield pressing
• Faster transitions into the final third

At MKM Stadium especially, Hull have turned into a side that opponents simply don’t enjoy facing. They press higher, create more second-ball situations, and generally look like a team with a clear identity under manager Sergej Jakirović. Recent wins highlight their momentum, with four victories in their last six outings.

Blackburn Rovers: Cup Tradition vs League Struggles

Blackburn are not a small club. They’re one of the historic names in English football — league champions, FA Cup winners, and a team with deep tradition. But tradition doesn’t win games on its own.

This season, Blackburn have looked unstable, particularly away from home. Their issues have included:

• Difficulty controlling games in midfield
• Poor defensive concentration at key moments
• Limited attacking output in tight matches

They sit in the lower reaches of the Championship, just above the relegation zone, with only one win in their previous ten matches and significant injury concerns hampering their squad.

Why Blackburn Still Have Hope

Despite their struggles, Blackburn can still be dangerous in this type of match because:

• Cup football often favours underdogs with nothing to lose
• Blackburn can sit deep and play direct
• One early goal can completely flip the script

They boast a strong historical edge in head-to-heads, winning more often overall, and have won three of their last four visits to the MKM Stadium. Their recent 2-2 comeback draw against Charlton shows resilience.

The Acun Ilıcalı Effect: More Than Just Money

Acun Ilıcalı’s ownership has been one of the most fascinating Championship stories in recent years. Hull City didn’t just gain a rich owner — they gained a personality, a global football connection, and a sense of ambition that fans can actually feel.

What Ilıcalı Has Brought to Hull

Under Ilıcalı, Hull have benefited from:

• Increased investment in squad building
• A stronger club “vision” and branding
• Greater attention from international fans
• A feeling that Hull are building towards something bigger

Even amid financial discussions, Ilıcalı continues to back the project, aiming for play-offs and potentially a Premier League return that could bring massive rewards. He recently pledged support for key players like captain Lewie Coyle, emphasizing long-term commitment.

Head-to-Head Insights: Does History Favour Blackburn?

Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers

Historically, Blackburn have often had the upper hand in this matchup. In previous meetings, Rovers have edged Hull more frequently — but those numbers don’t always mean much when squads, managers, and form are constantly changing.

More interesting than overall head-to-head records is this: recent fixtures between these sides have often been unpredictable, with away wins and narrow margins appearing regularly. The most recent FA Cup clash saw Hull win 1-0 in 2017-18. Last five encounters show Hull winning three, with Blackburn taking one. That fits the cup perfectly.

Tactical Preview: How the Game Could Play Out

Hull City’s Likely Approach

Hull are expected to:

• Control early tempo at home
• Use intensity to force mistakes
• Attack through wide areas and quick combinations
• Build pressure via corners and set pieces

If Hull score first, this could become a match where they dictate everything.

Blackburn’s Likely Game Plan

Blackburn will likely:

• Stay compact in a mid-to-low block
• Try to frustrate Hull
• Look for counter-attacks and long switches
• Focus on set-pieces and opportunistic moments

If the first half stays 0–0, Blackburn’s belief grows — and Hull’s pressure increases.

Key Players Who Could Decide the Match

Hull City vs Blackburn Rovers

Cup games often come down to individuals:

• Hull’s forward line: If they finish chances early, the tie becomes comfortable
• Hull midfield creators: The ability to unlock a deep block is essential
• Blackburn counter attackers: One good break could change everything
• Goalkeepers: FA Cup ties are often won by one huge save

Injuries could play a role, with Blackburn missing key creative outlets.

Prediction: Can Hull City Reach the Fourth Round?

Hull City have the clear advantage:

• Stronger current form
• Home stadium atmosphere
• More confidence and momentum
• A squad built with ambition

Blackburn can compete, but Hull look more prepared for the demands of this season — and the cup tie should reflect that.

Prediction: Hull City to qualify (around 60% chance). Most likely outcome: Hull City win in 90 minutes, but don’t rule out a nervy finish or extra time.

Final Thoughts: A Test of Hull’s New Identity

This match is not only about getting through the FA Cup Third Round. It’s about proving that Hull City have truly become a club on the rise — not just in headlines, but on the pitch.

If Ilıcalı’s Hull City want to be taken seriously as a Premier League project again, these are the matches they must win.