Sheff Wed V Middlesbrough at Hillsborough : Match Preview

03 May 2013 13:02
Sheff Wed V Middlesbrough - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Owls doubts over Johnson pair

Sheffield Wednesday are sweating on the fitness of Reda Johnson and Jermaine Johnson for their crucial clash against Middlesbrough.

Dave Jones' side must win to make sure of survival themselves, although they could lose and stay up if other results go their way.

The Owls hope to have the two Johnsons available for the fixture. Defender Reda has not featured since the 2-1 defeat to Leeds due to a foot problem while winger Jermaine was forced off with a hamstring injury during the draw with Ipswich.

On-loan full-back Jeremy Helan is expected to overcome a dead leg to retain his place in the side.

Wednesday go into the game one point above the drop zone and will need to end a four-game winless run to ensure a second campaign back in the npower Championship.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate is available after suspension for Middlesbrough.

The 33-year-old missed Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Charlton after being sent off for two bookable offences during the 2-1 defeat at Bolton a week earlier.

However, manager Tony Mowbray has already indicated that loan signings Sammy Ameobi, Josh McEachran and Ishmael Miller, as well as Kieron Dyer, whose short-term contract will not be renewed, will play no part in the game.

Midfielder Merouane Zemmama (ankle) and striker Lukas Jutkiewicz (knee) will both be assessed ahead of kick-off.

But full-back George Friend was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury some weeks ago, while defender Seb Hines is due to undergo surgery to repair a micro-fracture in his knee.


Source: PA