The winner of Sheffield Wednesday versus Huddersfield Town will progress to the final of the Championship play-offs.
Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal
Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town are only a win at Hillsborough away from a second successive Championship play-off final appearance at Wembley.
The league’s fourth and fifth best sides played out a 0-0 draw at the John Smith’s Stadium on Sunday, as Carlos Carvalhal’s side sought to contain their Yorkshire rivals.
The Owls are expected to adopt a more offensive approach on Wednesday night, but how will Carvalhal set up?
Here’s what we expect:
‘Keeper: Keiren Westwood
The Owls’ player of the season was ready when called upon Sunday and will always start when fit.
Right-back: Jack Hunt
Hunt is the more offensive of Wednesday’s two right-backs, and his skillset will be needed tomorrow.
Centre-back: Tom Lees
Lees has barely put a foot wrong since his return, helping the Owls to six wins and four clean sheets in nine outings. He’ll be one of the first on the team sheet regardless of which division they’re in next season.
Centre-back: Glenn Loovens
An uncharacteristic error almost let in Izzy Brown in the first leg, but only injury would see Loovens lose his place.
Left-back: Daniel Pudil
The Czech looks very much like last season’s player again, after struggling for fitness and form earlier in the campaign. His understanding with the rest of Carvalhal’s back four was key on Sunday and he should keep Morgan Fox out.
Right midfield: Ross Wallace
Arguably Wednesday’s biggest threat in the second half of the campaign. Wallace’s long-range and dead-ball expertise could be crucial at Hillsborough.
Central midfield: Kieran Lee
Sunday wasn’t Lee’s best game but he’s almost certain to be called upon tomorrow, having scored in last season’s Hillsborough semi-final.
Central midfield: Barry Bannan
The Owls hope to have Sam Hutchinson back fit, although that shouldn’t affect Bannan’s place in the 11.
Left midfield: Adam Reach
One of Carvalhal’s mainstays this season, Reach should start and have a bit more licence to get forward this time. However, there’s a chance he could miss out to accommodate another striker, with Forestieri or Bannan moving out to the left.
Striker: Fernando Forestieri
The Owls’ most likely match-winner. He should be fit to start after his early withdrawal last time out. Gary Hooper is unlikely to be risked even if he is passed fit.
Striker: Jordan Rhodes
Wednesday still haven’t scored since Rhodes’ arrival when he’s not been on the pitch and the Scotland international may fare better against Huddersfield’s imposing back two than Steven Fletcher did on Sunday. Even when he’s not scoring, Rhodes is helping out in other ways – count how many fouls he wins.
How should Sheffield Wednesday line up against Huddersfield?
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