Sheffield United midfielder Ben Osborn says they're bracing themselves for an empty stadium for the restart opener at Aston Villa.

With fans prohibited from attending until the health crisis eases, the occasion also threatens to be slightly surreal. The stands at Villa Park, which can hold nearly 43,000 spectators, will be empty apart from a handful of staff and around 40 journalists.

“It's going to be like a reserve team game in a way, except with a lot more on it and a lot more intensity," Osborn said. “Obviously everyone would rather the fans could be there, especially our supporters because they've been such a huge part of what we've done so far this season.

“But we'll be focused and we'll get on with it. We've given ourselves a big opportunity to do something and it's one we want to take."

Osborn hopes broadcasters resist the temptation to pipe fake crowd noise across the footage.

“It's not something I'd like to see happen, either in a match I'm involved in or if I'm sat in front of the TV," Osborn said. “I think it'll be really interesting for fans to hear what the players and the managers are saying. Wouldn't people rather listen to that? I think they would, surely?"