Source: FOOTYMAD
Bristol looking to avoid the same fate as Swindon against the Owls
A Wednesday win could send Rovers down this weekend Sheffield Wednesday travel to Bristol Rovers on Saturday and the home side know that anything less than a win could see them drop out of League One. The Owls beat Swindon Town at Hillsborough on Monday, a result which confirmed the Wiltshire side’s relegation and if results go against them then a defeat could also send Bristol down. Gary Megson chose to shuffle his pack in the victory against Swindon and it will be interesting to see what side he selects on Saturday. Players like Darren Potter and Daniel Jones, who have been on the periphery of the team since the arrival of the new manager, were given a chance to show their worth and they may get another run out as Megson looks to make his mind up on which players to take forward into next season. Loan defender Danny Batth missed out through illness in the last game and Reda Johnson may keep his place should the Wolves man not be 100% ready to return. Striker Gary Madine picked up a knock against Swindon and he will be assessed ahead of the game, with the likes of Clinton Morrison and Paul Heffernan in contention to replace him if he is not fit. Experienced midfielder Tommy Miller could return to the starting line up having made an appearance from the bench against Swindon and Nicky Weaver is expected to continue in goal having returned from an injury lay off in last Monday’s match. Bristol Rovers have a number of defensive problems to deal with ahead of what is a crucial match for them. The home side will be without Danny Coles and James Tunnicliffe through injuries and the suspension of Dave McCracken adds to their woes following his dismissal in Monday’s game against Bournemouth. The Pirates will be hoping the front men Will Hoskins and Jo Kuffour can provide the goals that will give them a chance of achieving safety whilst midfielder Wayne Brown will also be a player the Owls must be wary of having scored in each of Rovers’ last two matches. Wednesday have been in fine form of late with 4 wins in their last 6 matches and their only defeat in that spell came at champions Brighton. They have however only managed 1 win in their last 4 away games. Bristol have won 2 of their last 6 but have lost 3 of their last 4. They led for much of their last match at promotion chasing Bournemouth on Monday but to goals in the last 7 minutes condemned them to a demoralising defeat. They have only won 6 of 22 at home in the league, losing 10 of these. Wednesday won the last meeting between the two sides back in December when they crushed Rovers 6-2 at Hillsborough. The 2 sides have only met on 5 occasions at Bristol with the home side winning 2 and Wednesday winning 1 with 2 draws.
