Hull City to host Sheffield United in behind-closed-doors friendly on October 1
Hull City will welcome Sheffield United to the MKM Stadium for a behind-closed-doors friendly on October 1, according to thestar.co.uk. The match was revealed by Tigers boss Sergej Jakirović and confirmed by Blades manager Chris Wilder as part of United's plans for the international break.
- Date: October 1
- Opponent: Sheffield United
- Competition: Behind-closed-doors friendly
- Venue: MKM Stadium
- Key fact: Hull City are in the Premier League after winning last season's play-offs
What was said
"I think that Oli fully deserves this invitation. No anymore long holiday for him now but I am proud and he is already proud to represent your country and this is the highest level of football."
"They've got to have the rest and recovery, which they will do in the first week. We're working hard during the second week. We'll work on certain aspects and situations. Physically, we'll work hard with the players. So, there'll be a whole mix of stuff that we'll work on. Tactical stuff that we'll work on, individual stuff, physical stuff. And a few mini days off for the players to recover, regroup, re-energise themselves for the next part of the season, which will be up towards Christmas."
"Our biggest fault was us in possession, just being loose around the edge of the box. But when we broke the game up, we have to be cleaner and smoother and create more and get us up the pitch and have a more sustained period of us in their final third or their half. So that's stuff that we need to be better with. We've got the players to do that, so maybe that's just a little bit of belief and confidence with the ball that is lacking a little bit at the moment. But we have to find that individually and as a team."
"We've organised one. We might organise another as well to keep everybody at it. I think it was always good to play a competitive game. I mean, it's not going to be a full-tilt Championship game, but it's going to be good enough so players will get those minutes. So, we're possibly organising one or two of those. I think it's quite dangerous to go from Stoke City to Lincoln and not have any competitive game of some sorts in that period. So, we've got one and we're pretty close to another one."
Analysis: A valuable test for both sides
For Hull City, the behind-closed-doors friendly against Sheffield United offers a chance to maintain match sharpness during the international break. The Tigers, who won last season's play-offs to reach the Premier League, have made a good start to life in the top flight. The match will allow head coach Sergej Jakirović to work with players not on international duty and fine-tune tactics ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder sees the game as an important step in his side's preparation for their return to Championship action. The Blades suffered a defeat at Stoke City before the break and Wilder identified looseness in possession as a key issue. The friendly at the MKM Stadium will give his players competitive minutes, something Wilder believes is vital to avoid a drop-off between the Stoke game and their next league match against Lincoln City on October 10.
The match also carries significance for former Blades Oli McBurnie and John Egan, who will be absent due to international recalls with Scotland and the Republic of Ireland respectively. McBurnie's Scotland call-up was praised by Jakirović, highlighting the mutual respect between the two clubs. For Hull, the fixture represents another step in their Premier League journey, while United continue their push for promotion from the Championship.
Talking points
- International absentees: Sheffield United will be without Oli McBurnie and John Egan due to Scotland and Republic of Ireland call-ups, while Liam Kitching, Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck are also away with their countries.
- Wilder's focus on possession: The Blades manager pinpointed his side's looseness in possession as a major fault in the Stoke defeat and will use the break to address it.
- Hull's Premier League start: The Tigers have adapted well to the top flight after winning the play-offs, and this friendly provides a useful test against strong Championship opposition.
What happens next
Hull City will host Sheffield United in the behind-closed-doors friendly at the MKM Stadium on October 1. The match is one of at least one game United have organised during the break, with Wilder revealing they are close to arranging another. Following the friendly, Hull will continue their Premier League campaign, while Sheffield United return to Championship action at home to Lincoln City on October 10.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Hull City vs Sheffield United friendly?
The behind-closed-doors friendly will take place at the MKM Stadium on October 1, as revealed by Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović and confirmed by Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder.
Why are Sheffield United playing a friendly against Hull City?
Sheffield United have organised the match to give their players competitive minutes during the international break. Manager Chris Wilder said it is dangerous to go from their defeat at Stoke City to their next Championship game against Lincoln City without a competitive fixture.
Which players will be missing for Sheffield United?
Former Blades Oli McBurnie and John Egan will be absent after earning recalls to the Scotland and Republic of Ireland squads respectively. Liam Kitching has also been called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time, while Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck will join up with England's U21s.
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