Sheffield Wednesday could be out of the top six by 9:40 on Tuesday with rivals Fulham in action.
Sheffield Wednesday fans
While it was once almost inconceivable that Sheffield Wednesday would fail to achieve a play-off place this season, the Owls will drop out of the top six if Fulham beat Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.
But could finishing seventh be a blessing in disguise?
Here are three reasons it might – even if it does mean sharing a division with *that lot* from the Lane…
A chance to regroup
Last season’s exploits mean that many of Wednesday’s regulars have had barely a month’s rest since 2015, and another extended campaign may lead to a slow start next term – whatever the division – from which it could be tough to recover.
More time to prepare
Despite spending more money on players this season than any other in history, Wednesday continue to lack strength in depth in all areas, except, perhaps, up front and in goal. Knowing their fate by the second week of May, at the latest, would therefore give the Owls an extra month to get their recruitment in order – something they failed to do last summer, when only half of their 10 new arrivals were signed before the season’s opening day, with another four arriving in January.
Huddersfield, in contrast, had no play-off campaign to worry about and had all but one of their 15 new additions signed and sealed by mid-July. Is it any real surprise that the Terriers continue to go from strength to strength?
Huddersfield Town players celebrate
No excuses
While going up, or even going close again, could lead to cracks being papered over, finishing seventh would be a clear indicator of failure, from which there would be no getting away, and allow time for changes – whether popular or not – to be put into place at Hillsborough.
Where do you think Sheffield Wednesday will end the campaign?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
