Tough test as Owls look to bounce back

14 September 2012 13:34
Brighton Vs Wednesday: Team news & preview

Sheffield Wednesday travel south to Brighton this evening for a Friday night kick off against the Seagulls. Dave Jones and his side have had a week off due to the international break to reflect on their first defeat of the season last time out at Crystal Palace and they will be keen to try and get back to winning ways tonight.

Having conceded 2 goals in each of their 4 league games to date Jones could decide to shake up his defence a little. New signing Martin Taylor could come into contention to make his debut at the heart of the defence while Joe Mattock and Reda Johnson will be vying with Daniel Jones for the left-back spot with Jones having played in the last 2 matches.

Ross Barkley, signed on loan from Everton today, will be hoping to play in the midfield and striker Jay Bothroyd could also make his first appearance in an Owls shirt.

Brighton winger Will Buckley has benefitted from the international break as he bids to return to full fitness. Craig Mackail-Smith returned to goal scoring form in fine style with a brace in a win at Burnley last time out and Albion have plenty of experience in their ranks with the likes of former Valencia winger Vicente and ex-England full-back Wayne Bridge.

Wednesday have picked up just 1 point from their 2 away games since their return to the Championship while Brighton have taken 4 points from 2 home games so far this season. Both teams have 7 points in total and a win for either side would take them to the top of the division ahead of Saturday’s matches.

The will be Wednesday’s first visit to Brighton’s new Amex stadium. In 10 visits to Albion’s previous grounds they have won 4, lost 3 and drawn 3. The Owls last trip to Brighton in April 2011 resulted in a 2-0 win for the home side on their way to promotion from League One.

Source: FOOTYMAD