Predicted Sheffield Wednesday lineup to face Ipswich Town: Carvalhal makes tough call as Owls close on top 6

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Sheffield Wednesday can clinch a Championship play-off place this weekend.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy

Sheffield Wednesday can clinch a Championship play-off place this weekend, but must overcome old foe Mick McCarthy in doing so.

The Owls, whose top six berth was delayed by McCarthy’s Ipswich Town a year ago, have failed to beat the Yorkshire boss in 14 out of 15 attempts in succession.

Carlos Carvalhal is likely to name a strong side at Portman Road, but who will get the nod? This is how we expect Wednesday to look:

Keiren Westwood

The Irishman’s late stop denied Derby a point last weekend and he’ll be keen to pick up where he left off in Suffolk.

Jack Hunt

The right-back’s form his improved substantially in recent weeks and he is likely to keep his place ahead of the more defensive-minded Liam Palmer.

Tom Lees

Wednesday have lost just once in seven matches since Lees’ return and the centre-back won’t be losing his place any time soon.

Glenn Loovens

The Dutchman is expected to keep his place alongside Lees despite a recent knock.

Daniel Pudil

Another of Wednesday’s returned-to-form full-backs, the Czech’s recent displays have made him undroppable.

Ross Wallace

Arguably the Owls’ best player in 2017, the winger should again get the nod over the on-loan Callum McManaman.

Kieran Lee

The fans’ favourite made a shock return against Derby and is likely to keep his place with David Jones ill and Sam Hutchinson doubtful.

Barry Bannan

The Scotland international is perhaps due a rest, but shalln’t be getting one yet – although Lee’s return is a boost.

Adam Reach

The winger’s impact has grown of late, having been heavily involved in two of Wednesday’s last four league goals. With talisman Fernando Forestieri short of fitness, Reach should keep his place.

Gary Hooper

The striker finally got the goal his recent hard work deserved against Derby and is a shoo-in to start as his fitness improves.

Steven Fletcher

Carvalhal’s one toss-up, as far as we’re concerned; stick with Fletcher (four games, four goals) or bring back Jordan Rhodes, without whom Wednesday have failed to score a single league goal since his debut in February. Fletcher is perhaps more likely to start with his Scotland teammate left to make an impact off the bench once more.