Hull City rearrange trip to Sunderland to ease fixture congestion

The game was originally due to take place on Boxing Day, but was called off due to Covid-19 issues afflicting the Wearsiders and later Hull, with both among a number of lower-division clubs, whose squads were hit by a number of positive tests for the virus.

The Tigers’ returned to action following two festive postponements last Saturday and with their scheduled game this coming weekend at Wigan also having to be cancelled due to coronavirus issues in the Latics camp - when a number of players tested positive - the East Yorkshire outfit have now hastily rearranged their game with Sunderland in conjunction with the north-east club and the relevant authorities and broadcasters.

Both sides are understandably keen for some continuity in their fixture schedule after returning to action last Saturday, while naturally being keen to avoid another blank match-day.

Hull beat Charlton Athletic last weekend 2-0 following an 18-day lay-off, while Sunderland - hit harder than any club in the lower divisions with Covid-19 issues - drew 0-0 at Northampton.

It was the Black Cats’ first game since drawing 1-1 with AFC Wimbledon on December 15.

Grant McCann’s men visited Sunderland in their first match of the 2020-21 season, winning 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw in the Carabao Cup first round.