The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder does not believe tomorrow’s encounter with Huddersfield Town will be straightforward for Carlos Carvalhal’s team.
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder David Prutton
David Prutton is anticipating a nail biting evening at Hillsborough as Sheffield Wednesday attempt to overcome Huddersfield Town in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final.
The league’s fourth- and fifth-placed sides drew 0-0 at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday, and with no away goals rule in place there must be a winner on the night – even if it takes a penalty shootout to determine who faces Reading or Fulham in the Wembley final on Bank Holiday Monday.
Despite his old side having the home advantage – with a full house of around 32,000 fans to cheer them on – Prutton does not believe Wednesday will have it straightforward tomorrow night.
“The first leg was a very cagey affair. Sheffield Wednesday allowed Huddersfield to dominate the ball and there was a feeling from Carlos Carvalhal and his side that getting the tie back to Hillsborough at 0-0 means it’s very much advantage them,” the Sky Sports pundit writes in his regular predictions column.
Sheffield Wednesday fans during last year’s Hillsborough semi-final
“However, it feels like one of those games, even though there’s a lot of firepower on display, that could go all the way to penalties.
“It’s a tough one – a real toss of a coin as to who goes through. With Wednesday at home there may be a slight tactical change from them as they look to get on the front foot but Huddersfield are solid defensively.”
Predicting a 1-1 draw after extra time, Prutton added: “This one’s going all the way to penalties. Now you want me to tell you who is going to win on penalties? Home advantage will play a part – Wednesday to win on penalties.”
Wednesday’s preparations have not been helped by a report in the Daily Mail which claims the Yorkshire side are lining up Alan Pardew as a replacement for current head coach Carlos Carvalhal.
Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew
It is acknowledged locally that Carvalhal enjoys a healthy relationship with Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri, who brought the 51-year-old to Hillsborough from obscurity in July 2015.
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