Sheff Wed V Blackpool at Hillsborough : Match Preview

06 February 2012 17:01
Jones boost for Owls.

Sheffield Wednesday skipper Rob Jones will return to the side for the FA Cup fourth round replay against Blackpool. Central defender Jones, sidelined for the last four games due to an ankle injury, will step in for Blackpool loanee Miguel Llera, who has already appeared in the competition for Brentford this season.

Mike Jones, a recent signing from Bury, is another who is ineligible and latest new recruit, John Bostock, is also cup-tied having made his only appearance for Tottenham this season in the FA Cup. Midfielder Chris Lines, strikers Ryan Lowe and Clinton Morrison and defender Lewis Buxton are among those who will be hoping to return to the starting line-up.

Manager Gary Megson has no new injury or suspension problems, although defender Reda Johnson, currently on nine yellow cards, is walking a suspension tightrope. Kevin Phillips and Roman Bednar could be set to start in attack for Blackpool. Phillips' injury-time penalty gave the Seasiders the chance of a second go at their npower League One opponents as the sides drew 1-1 at Bloomfield Road 10 days ago.

The 39-year-old striker has since netted crucial goals from the bench in dramatic league wins over Coventry and Cardiff and is in line for a place in the starting XI as boss Ian Holloway prepares to rotate his squad with one eye on their growing promotion ambitions in the Championship. On-loan West Brom forward Bednar, who enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Phillips during their time together at the Hawthorns, has won praise from Holloway for his contribution as a substitute over the past week and will hope for a first start since moving to Lancashire.

Keith Southern remains the Seasiders' only major injury absentee with a gashed ankle. The midfielder played his first game since having a tumour removed from a testicle in November when he started the initial tie but sustained the blow to his ankle moments before Clinton Morrison opened the scoring for Wednesday.

Sheff Wed V Blackpool - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.

Source: PA