Sheffield Wednesday face Preston North End at 12.45 on Saturday knowing that anything less than 3 points will take the pressure off promotion rivals Sheffield United and Huddersfield ahead of the 3pm matches.
Wednesday are at near full strength going into the game with only log-term injury absentee Daniel Jones unavailable. Manager Dave Jones has a number of decisions to make with Miguel Llera impressing in the heart of the defence last weekend in place of Danny Batth.
Wednesday also have plenty of attacking options with Jermaine Johnson, Michail Antonio, Keith Treacy and Mike Jones contesting for the wide midfield positions and Gary Madine, Ryan Lowe, Nile Ranger and Chris O’Grady all hoping for a place in attack.
Former Owls loan striker Neil Mellor is struggling to be fit to face his hometown club. The ex-Liverpool player has been troubled by an ankle injury for large parts of the season. He made a return last weekend against Bury but was not involved in Preston’s midweek game and he is unlikely to start at Hillsborough and may miss out altogether.
Welsh defender Craig Morgan has also had an injury troubled campaign, starting just 14 league games but he has stepped up his training in recent weeks and is closing in o a return to action.
Sheffield Wednesday are unbeaten since Dave Jones took over as manager last month but did suffer a setback in their last home game when only an injury time equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw against struggling Walsall.
Preston have had a disappointing season and have won just 2 of their last 14 games. They lost 3-1 at home to Brentford during the week but their recent away form has been a little better, taking 4 points from their last 2 matches on their travels.
The Owls enjoyed a 2-0 win at Preston in December but North End have a good recent record at Hillsborough, winning on 5 of their last 8 visits to S6.
Source: FOOTYMAD
