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Hull City's 2025/26 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Sitting fourth in the Championship with 15 games to play, Sergej Jakirović's side are firmly in the playoff picture — but Friday night's FA Cup exit against Chelsea has left supporters with mixed emotions heading into a crucial run of league fixtures.
Chelsea Dish Out a Harsh Lesson at the MKM
Friday's fourth-round tie was always going to be a tall order, and so it proved. Pedro Neto ran riot with a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 victory in front of 24,320 at the MKM Stadium. Liam Rosenior — sacked by Hull back in 2024 — returned as Chelsea's new manager and guided his side to a comfortable win. Neto opened the scoring five minutes before half-time with a curling effort from the edge of the box, then doubled the lead early in the second half with a corner that sailed directly into the net past Dillon Phillips.
Estêvão made it three on 59 minutes before Neto completed his treble with 19 minutes remaining. Lewis Koumas struck the post late on, but it was little more than a consolation effort. The gulf in quality was clear, particularly in possession — Chelsea dominated with 76% of the ball.
The night was further marred by arrests made following discriminatory chanting from a section of home supporters, something the club had explicitly warned against before kick-off.
The Bigger Picture: Playoffs Are What Matter
As disappointing as the result was, the FA Cup was never the priority this season. Hull are fourth in the Championship on 54 points — five adrift of the automatic places but well inside the top six. With Ipswich Town, Millwall and Wrexham rounding out the playoff spots, the race is wide open.
Jakirović made six changes for the Chelsea match, clearly keeping one eye on the league. The likes of Ivor Pandur, Oli McBurnie and Gustavo Puerta were rested, and the focus now shifts entirely to next Saturday's visit of QPR.
January Business: Dowell, McNair, Collyer & Koumas
Hull's January transfer window was busy despite ongoing financial restrictions from the EFL. The club were limited to free agents and loan signings following a fee restriction penalty, but still managed to bring in some quality.
Kieran Dowell signed permanently from Rangers on an 18-month deal, adding creativity and set-piece quality to the midfield. Paddy McNair arrived from San Diego FC and went straight into the squad, partnering John Egan in central defence against Chelsea. Toby Collyer joined on loan from Manchester United, whilst Lewis Koumas returned from Liverpool for a second loan spell.
Yū Hirakawa also came in on loan from Bristol City, giving Jakirović more options out wide. On the departures front, Joel Ndala was recalled by Manchester City on deadline day, and Enis Destan headed out on loan to Westerlo.
Injury Concerns
The treatment room remains a worry. Semi Ajayi, Mohamed Belloumi, Darko Gyabi, Matt Crooks and Eliot Matazo are all sidelined. Belloumi's absence is particularly frustrating — the Algerian has been out since November 2024 with an ACL injury. Charlie Hughes and Collyer were both doubts for the Chelsea game, though Cody Drameh appears to be nearing a return.
Getting bodies back fit for the final 15 league games will be crucial if Hull are to sustain their promotion challenge.
What Next? QPR at Home
Attention now turns to QPR's visit to the MKM Stadium next Saturday. After the Chelsea defeat, a strong response is needed. Hull's home form has been solid this season and three points against a struggling QPR side would be a perfect way to refocus minds on the promotion push.
With 15 matches remaining and the playoffs firmly in their grasp, the Tigers' season is far from over. If Jakirović can keep his squad fit and pick up results in the run-in, a return to the Premier League is very much on the cards.
What do you reckon? Can we hold onto a playoff spot — or can we push for automatic? Drop your thoughts below.
Chelsea Dish Out a Harsh Lesson at the MKM
Friday's fourth-round tie was always going to be a tall order, and so it proved. Pedro Neto ran riot with a hat-trick as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 victory in front of 24,320 at the MKM Stadium. Liam Rosenior — sacked by Hull back in 2024 — returned as Chelsea's new manager and guided his side to a comfortable win. Neto opened the scoring five minutes before half-time with a curling effort from the edge of the box, then doubled the lead early in the second half with a corner that sailed directly into the net past Dillon Phillips.
Estêvão made it three on 59 minutes before Neto completed his treble with 19 minutes remaining. Lewis Koumas struck the post late on, but it was little more than a consolation effort. The gulf in quality was clear, particularly in possession — Chelsea dominated with 76% of the ball.
The night was further marred by arrests made following discriminatory chanting from a section of home supporters, something the club had explicitly warned against before kick-off.
The Bigger Picture: Playoffs Are What Matter
As disappointing as the result was, the FA Cup was never the priority this season. Hull are fourth in the Championship on 54 points — five adrift of the automatic places but well inside the top six. With Ipswich Town, Millwall and Wrexham rounding out the playoff spots, the race is wide open.
Jakirović made six changes for the Chelsea match, clearly keeping one eye on the league. The likes of Ivor Pandur, Oli McBurnie and Gustavo Puerta were rested, and the focus now shifts entirely to next Saturday's visit of QPR.
January Business: Dowell, McNair, Collyer & Koumas
Hull's January transfer window was busy despite ongoing financial restrictions from the EFL. The club were limited to free agents and loan signings following a fee restriction penalty, but still managed to bring in some quality.
Kieran Dowell signed permanently from Rangers on an 18-month deal, adding creativity and set-piece quality to the midfield. Paddy McNair arrived from San Diego FC and went straight into the squad, partnering John Egan in central defence against Chelsea. Toby Collyer joined on loan from Manchester United, whilst Lewis Koumas returned from Liverpool for a second loan spell.
Yū Hirakawa also came in on loan from Bristol City, giving Jakirović more options out wide. On the departures front, Joel Ndala was recalled by Manchester City on deadline day, and Enis Destan headed out on loan to Westerlo.
Injury Concerns
The treatment room remains a worry. Semi Ajayi, Mohamed Belloumi, Darko Gyabi, Matt Crooks and Eliot Matazo are all sidelined. Belloumi's absence is particularly frustrating — the Algerian has been out since November 2024 with an ACL injury. Charlie Hughes and Collyer were both doubts for the Chelsea game, though Cody Drameh appears to be nearing a return.
Getting bodies back fit for the final 15 league games will be crucial if Hull are to sustain their promotion challenge.
What Next? QPR at Home
Attention now turns to QPR's visit to the MKM Stadium next Saturday. After the Chelsea defeat, a strong response is needed. Hull's home form has been solid this season and three points against a struggling QPR side would be a perfect way to refocus minds on the promotion push.
With 15 matches remaining and the playoffs firmly in their grasp, the Tigers' season is far from over. If Jakirović can keep his squad fit and pick up results in the run-in, a return to the Premier League is very much on the cards.
What do you reckon? Can we hold onto a playoff spot — or can we push for automatic? Drop your thoughts below.
