Predicted Sheffield Wednesday Lineup To Face Huddersfield Town
Frankly, Sheffield Wednesday did extremely well to come away from Huddersfield with a draw in the first leg of this play-off semi-final and will now be strong favourites to put a seemingly fading Terriers side to the sword.
One of England’s most famous old football stadiums will be rocking for this one, with the winner going to Wembley and getting the chance to gain promotion to the Premier League. The stakes are massive and the Owls would feel they have been away from the big time for far too long.
Given Fulham’s late rise to the top 6, Reading’s attacking style and Huddersfield’s surprise ascension to the upper echelons of the division, Sheffield Wednesday are the team that has quietly and competently gone about their business all season and they definitely have the quality to finish the job here. In 3 meetings so far this season, Sheffield Wednesday are yet to concede a goal to Huddersfield and seem to have them under wraps.
Probable Sheffield Wednesday Playing XI:
Formation: 4-4-2
Manager: Carlos Carvalhal
GK – Keiran Westwood
All of the Irish international’s experience will be needed between the sticks. Should start this crucial game for Sheffield Wednesday.
RB – Jack Hunt
Another energetic and a disciplined performance would do this time from the right-back. Will start the game for sure.
CB – Tom Lees
The centre-back is a wanted man but for now, all of his concentration needs to be on getting Sheffield Wednesday to Wembley.
CB – Glenn Loovens
Lees’ regular partner at the back and another reason Sheffield Wednesday are where they are, Carvalhal cannot afford to not include this guy in the lineup.
LB – Daniel Pudil
Smith and Kachunga remain a big threat to the Czech, but another sound display may well help his team to the final.
RM – Ross Wallace
The experienced Scot will need all his nous here and just one accurate cross from out wide may provide the goal scoring opportunity needed to settle this tie.
CM – Kieran Lee
Another close midfield battle featuring the 4 main protagonists Lee/Bannan and Mooy/Hogg is on the cards, with Lee being a key figure.
CM – Barry Bannan
His quality may just tell with a crucial pass and a goal long overdue in this tie. Will start alongside Lee in the middle.
LM – Adam Reach
Reach has undoubted quality and in a well-balanced midfield, he will be pivotal once more.
ST – Fernando Forestieri
The enigmatic forward has been out of the headlines for a little while now, though it would not be a surprise if he were to pop up with a goal or two in this encounter.
ST – Steven Fletcher
Happy to wait for it; one key pass or cross from the likes of Bannan, Reach or Wallace will be all that the big Scot would need to put Wednesday into a lead.