Biggest match of the season so far

16 December 2011 10:10
Wednesday Vs Huddersfield: Team news & preview

Sheffield Wednesday face their toughest home test of the season to date on Saturday when promotion rivals Huddersfield Town visit Hillsborough.

For the majority of the League One season so far it has been Charlton leading the way at the top with Huddersfield in close pursuit but the Owls have recently claimed 2nd spot from their Yorkshire rivals. If Gary Megson’s side can continue their unbeaten home record it will be a real statement of intent in terms of their bid for automatic promotion and will give the side huge confidence going into the hectic festive period of games.

Wednesday are still expected to be without injured first team players Nicky Weaver, Lewis Buxton, James O’Connor and Gary Madine for the Yorkshire derby but there were no fresh injury or suspension concerns to report following last Saturday’s 2-0 win at Oldham.

David Prutton opened the scoring at Boundary Park and will be expecting to keep his place in the side. Ryan Lowe sealed the points with a penalty after starting as a substitute and will be hoping to make a return to the starting line-up where he faces competition for a place from Arsenal loannee Sanchez Watt.

Huddersfield will be without striker Alan Lee who has caused problems for the Owls when playing for various clubs down the years. He misses the match due to suspension. Midfielder Damien Johnson is also unlikely to feature as he is suffering from a hamstring injury and promising goalkeeper Alex Smithies remains sidelined due to a long-term knee injury.

Wednesday’s record of 8 win and 1 draw at home in the league this season is the best in the division and this combined with their improved away form has seen them lose just 1 of their last 14 matches.

Huddersfield were unbeaten in the first 18 league games of the season but defeat at Charlton two weeks ago has rocked them and this was followed up last weekend with a 1-0 setback at home to Bournemouth.

The Terriers have a decent record away at Wednesday, winning 6 times and losing on 10 occasions in a total of 21 visits. The Owls came out 2nd best in both meetings last season, losing 2-0 at Hillsborough and 1-0 away.

 

Source: FOOTYMAD