Sheffield Wednesday host bitter rivals Sheffield United at Hillsborough on Sunday knowing that anything less than 3 points would make automatic promotion look like a long shot at best. Defeat for the Owls would hand their bitter city rivals an 8 point advantage with 2 games in hand. This would mean that Wednesday would need to have a near perfect record until the end of the season and hope that the Blades lose 4 or 5 at least of their last 15 games to stand any chance of clawing them back.
Gary Megson’s side were dealt a significant blow during the week with the news that in-form winger Jermaine Johnson faces 8 weeks out with a knee injury. Better news came in the shape of a new loan signing, Michail Antonio, and he could make his Owls debut this weekend.
Megson must choose whether to stick with Captain Rob Jones at the heart of the defence or bring in Miguel Llera. The Spaniard was taken off with an injury during the 2nd half of the defeat at Exeter. The Owls were leading at the time and they have lost each game that he has missed since picking up the injury.
There have been more problems at the other end of the pitch with the Owls goal-shy strikers struggling for form. None of the 4 main strikers have scored in the 6 games since Clinton Morrison scored in the F.A. Cup tie at Blackpool. Chris O’Grady offers hard work and hold up play but this has not brought the Owls any success of late, Ryan Lowe looked bright but missed chances at Chesterfield last weekend and Gary Madine has looked off the pace since returning from injury. Madine was dropped to the bench last time out and has been suffering from illness this week but as the top scorer he may regain his place in the side if fit.
Sheffield United come to Hillsborough in good form and have far less problems to concern them at the moment. Midfielder Kevin McDonald was substituted in the first half last weekend having picked up a knock and he is their only injury doubt. In form-top scorer Ched Evans will lead the visitors attack with former Wednesday player Richard Cresswell expected to partner him though the do have other options in the shape of Will Hoskins, James Beattie and Chris Porter.
Wednesday are currently on their worst run of the season having lost 4 in succession and they have only scored 1 goal in those 4 games. The Owls have only won 2 of their last 10 in all competitions.
By contrast United are in fine form having taken a grip on 2nd place behind Charlton. The Blades have won 5 of their last 6 league matches including an important victory at another of their promotion rivals,Huddersfield.
Wednesday were unfortunate to find themselves 2-0 down at half-time when the two teams met at Brammal Lane in October but two late goals from O’Grady and Madine earned the Owls a well deserved point.
The last steel city derby at Hillsborough also ended in a draw in April 2010, Darren Potter giving Wednesday a 1st-half lead before Lee Williamson got the equaliser.
Source: FOOTYMAD
