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 Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder. The match will provide valuable minutes for both squads during the international break.
- Date: October 1
- Opponent: Sheffield United
- Competition: Behind-closed-doors friendly
- Location: MKM Stadium
- Key fact: Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović revealed the fixture; Sheffield United are also planning another behind-closed-doors game.
Team news
Sheffield United will be without Oli McBurnie and John Egan for the trip to Hull. Both players have earned recalls to the Scotland and Republic of Ireland squads respectively after leaving Bramall Lane. The Blades will also have Liam Kitching, Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck away on international duty. Kitching has been called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad for the first time, while Cannon joins him in the Ireland setup and Peck links up with England’s U21s. Hull City’s squad for the friendly has not been disclosed.
What was said
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
The numbers
Sheffield United have suffered four defeats in their last five games. They currently sit in the Championship and will return to action on October 10 against Lincoln City at Bramall Lane. Hull City, promoted via the play-offs last season, have made a good start to life in the Premier League.
How to watch
The friendly will be played behind closed doors, so there will be no public broadcast or ticket information available. Hull City and Sheffield United have not announced any live coverage.
Why this friendly matters for Hull City
For Hull City, the behind-closed-doors friendly offers a chance to maintain match sharpness during the international break. With several first-team players potentially away on international duty, head coach Sergej Jakirović will likely use the game to give minutes to squad players and trial different tactical setups. The match also provides an opportunity for the Tigers to test themselves against Championship opposition, albeit in a non-competitive setting.
Sheffield United’s visit to the MKM Stadium is part of a structured break for the Blades, who are balancing rest and recovery with hard work at Shirecliffe. Wilder has identified looseness in possession as a key area for improvement, and the friendly will allow his side to work on those aspects in a match scenario. The Blades are also planning at least one more behind-closed-doors game to keep players topped up ahead of their return to Championship action.
The fixture underlines the strong relationship between the two clubs, with Jakirović and Wilder both valuing the opportunity for competitive minutes. For Hull, it is a useful exercise as they look to build on their promising start to the Premier League season. The Tigers will be eager to continue their momentum when domestic action resumes.
Talking points
- International absentees: Sheffield United will be missing Oli McBurnie, John Egan, Liam Kitching, Tom Cannon and Sydie Peck due to international call-ups, giving Hull City a potential advantage in terms of squad familiarity.
- Jakirović’s praise for McBurnie: The Hull boss expressed pride in McBurnie’s Scotland recall, highlighting the striker’s hard work and the prestige of international football.
- Sheffield United’s poor form: With four defeats in their last five games, the Blades will be looking to use this friendly to address their issues, particularly in possession, as they prepare for a crucial period in their season.
What happens next
Following the friendly on October 1, Hull City will continue their Premier League campaign, while Sheffield United will return to Championship action on October 10 against Lincoln City at Bramall Lane. The Blades may also play another behind-closed-doors game before that fixture.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hull City vs Sheffield United friendly?
The behind-closed-doors friendly will take place on October 1 at the MKM Stadium, as revealed by Hull City boss Sergej Jakirović.
Can I watch the Hull City vs Sheffield United friendly?
No, the match will be played behind closed doors, so there will be no public broadcast or tickets available.
Why are Hull City playing Sheffield United in a friendly?
The game is part of Sheffield United’s structured break during the international window, providing competitive minutes for both squads. Hull City are using it to maintain match sharpness.
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