Sheffield Wednesday’s difficult run continues against Aston Villa.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay has challenged his players to prove their play-off credentials in the coming few weeks, continuing against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Wednesday have already faced fancied sides Stoke City and Nottingham Forest since the September international break – yielding one draw and a defeat – and take on Leeds United, West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City following Saturday’s trip to Villa Park.
And while the Owls should have key players Fernando Forestieri, Jordan Thorniley and even Gary Hooper back for the bulk of that run, neither of those – nor Joost van Aken, Almen Abdi, Sam Hutchinson and Sam Winnall – will be available against the Villans.
Luhukay still has options should he wish to mix things up, however, with Matt Penney – who was rested against Forest – Liam Palmer, Joey Pelupessy and Steven Fletcher – dropped to the bench – all likely to return.
Although, the big question remains: who will replace Thorniley at left centre-back? Daniel Pudil did so after the youngster’s injury in midweek, with the on-loan Chelsea defender Michael Hector being the other primary candidate.
Midfielders Barry Bannan and Josh Onomah, meanwhile, are in line to face their former club.
This is how HITC Sport suspects Sheffield Wednesday could look against Aston Villa…
Which Sheffield Wednesday XI would you put out at Aston Villa?
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