There was, of course, sad news to come out of the KCOM over the last fortnight, with midfielder Ryan Mason having to retire from the game at the age of 26 as a result of the fractured skull he suffered against Chelsea in 2017.

Mason is back at the ground tonight as part of Sky Sports' coverage and has been waving goodbye to the Tigers fans.

Rights restrictions mean we cannot bring you online radio commentary of this evening's game.

However, if you happen to be in the East or South Yorkshire areas then you're in luck.

Tune in to either BBC Radio Humberside or BBC Radio Sheffield and they'll give you their take on the action kick by kick.

Image source, Rex Features

Sheffield United may have lost in the FA Cup at Leicester last Friday - but they love an away league game on the final day of the working week.

Of their last 14 away league matches played on a Friday, the Blades have lost just one and have won at both Leeds and Burton already this season.

Image source, Rex Features

The reverse meeting this season at Bramall Lane on 4 November was certainly an afternoon to remember for Sheffield United striker Leon Clarke.

Hull led at the break through Kamil Grosicki's 25-yard effort.

But Clarke then scored all four goals in the second half as the Blades registered a comprehensive win which, at the time, took them second in the table behind current leaders Wolves.

Image source, Getty Images

This evening's meeting sees Hull City boss Nigel Adkins take on former employers Sheffield United for the first time since he was sacked by them in May 2016 after finishing 11th in League One, eight points off a play-off place.

But he has previously faced the Blades four times as a manager, winning three and drawing the other.

Hull City make five changes from the team beaten at Middlesbrough on Tuesday. Max Clark, Seb Larsson, Adama Diomande, Jarrod Bowen and Nouha Dicko all come in.

Sheffield United make two changes from the side that beat QPR in midweek, with John Fleck returning from suspension and Ryan Leonard also coming into midfield.

Hull City: McGregor; Aina, Clark, Dawson, MacDonald; Larsson, Irvine, Bowen, Diomande, Evandro; Dicko.

Subs: Marshall, Tomori, Hector, Steward, Toral, Grosicki, Campbell

Sheffield United: Blackman; Basham, Stearman, O'Connell; Baldock, Fleck, Evans, Leonard, Stevens; Clarke, Sharp.

Subs: Moore,Lundstram, Donaldson, Freeman, Duffy, Lafferty, Evans.

Before we go any further, let's take a look at tonight's teams..

Games at the 'business end of the season' often fall into two categories. The result either has an impact on both sides' hopes and chances or it's a dead rubber.

This game certainly falls into the former category.

Last season's League One champions, Sheffield United, are still very much in the hunt for a play-off place and will go sixth with victory this evening.

Image source, .

Hull, relegated from the Premier League last season, are facing the drop again and start tonight with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three.

Three points for either side are priceless.

Image source, .

Image source, Getty Images

It's may be cold outside - and getting colder - but a weekend of football coverage to keep you warm starts right here.

We're in the Championship for a game which has seen 18 goals in the last three meetings between the sides.

Welcome to this evening's coverage of Hull City against Sheffield United.