Sheffield Wednesday host their former boss’s Swansea City in the FA Cup fifth round.
Unlike his predecessor, Carlos Carvalhal, Jos Luhukay does not view Sheffield Wednesday’s FA Cup visit of Swansea City as a secondary priority.
For Luhukay’s Wednesday, like Swansea – albeit to a lesser extent and in a division lower, this season has become more about survival than any loftier ambition they might have had back in August.
But while Carvalhal, who left Hillsborough by mutual consent on Christmas Eve and rocked up at Swansea four days later, has hinted at playing a weakened side back in Sheffield, Luhukay does not have that luxury given his lengthy list of absentees.
Of those who started Tuesday’s win against Derby County, only Joe Wildsmith (who Luhukay has confirmed will drop to the bench to accommodate Cameron Dawson) and Sean Clare (cup-tied) are guaranteed to miss out against the Premier League side – along with cup-tied substitutes Jordan Thorniley and Jack Stobbs – although other alterations could be made, with two league games to follow in the next seven days.
Liam Palmer could replace Jack Hunt at right wing-back, with the latter still building up his fitness following a recent spell on the sidelines, while Morgan Fox may return at the expense of George Boyd on the opposite flank.
Boyd could move into midfield as Clare’s replacement, with Ross Wallace also a candidate for the role – although the pair could both feature if Luhukay drops a centre-forward.
Lucas Joao, the scorer of both of Wednesday’s goals in midweek, is arguably the Owls’ biggest threat and should start, with Atdhe Nuhiu (three goals in as many FA Cup appearances this season) and Jordan Rhodes also available up front.
Here’s how HITC Sport suspects Sheffield Wednesday could look…
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