Sheffield Wednesday travel to Colchester on Saturday knowing that only 3 points is likely to be enough to keep them in contention for an automatic promotion place. With 2nd place Sheffield United playing at home against Leyton Orient the odds are firmly on them picking up 3 points and so the Owls cannot afford to slip up.
Wednesday will continue to be without left-back Reda Johnson due to injury but right-back Lewis Buxton may be able to play despite having to be withdrawn at half-time in Monday’s win over Oldham.
Dave Jones can welcome back captain Rob Jones after suspension and that gives him the option of moving Miguel Llera to left-back. If he chooses not do this then either Julian Bennett or Mark Beevers is likely to fill in at full-back.
Ryan Lowe made a claim for a starting place alongside Gary Madine in attack on Monday by scoring with his first touch as substitute after replacing Nile Ranger.
Colchester could welcome back defender Magnus Okuonghae after he missed Monday’s defeat at Bury. Midfielder John-Joe O’Toole makes the squad for the first time since January but midfielder Martin Rowlands misses out due to a hamstring injury.
Wednesday come into the match on the back of a 10 game unbeaten run in which they have won 8 times. The Owls have not conceded a goal in any of their last 4 games.
Colchester have been in a strange run of form. They have only lost 2 of their last 13 games but have also only won twice during this spell.
The Owls beat Colchester 2-0 at Hillsborough in October but they have only managed one win in 9 visits to Saturday’s opponents.
Source: FOOTYMAD
