Predicted Sheffield Wednesday XI for Elland Road trip: Sam Hutchinson makes long-awaited return

Sheffield Wednesday could welcome back three key players to face their Yorkshire rivals.

Jos Luhukay, Manager of Sheffield Wednesday looks on prior to the The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City at Hillsborough on February 17, 2018 in...

For the first time in more than a month, Sheffield Wednesday have had a full week to prepare for a Championship fixture.

The Owls ended a run of nine games in 29 days against Bolton Wanderers and although they lost Sean Clare to an injury list which remains in double figures, they could welcome back three key players – Sam Hutchinson, Barry Bannan and Joost van Aken – at Leeds United on Saturday.

With Keiren Westwood, Kieran Lee, Marco Matias and Fernando Forestieri predicted to follow after the ensuing break for internationals, there is renewed hope that a corner is about to be turned for Jos Luhukay’s team.

Nonetheless Wednesday – who slipped to 18th in the wake of Hull City’s midweek win – have won only once in the league since Luhukay’s early January arrival and could do with a repeat performance of October’s win against their Yorkshire rivals – which also arrived on the eve of a two-week domestic hiatus – with some difficult games coming up.

Sam Hutchinson of Sheffield Wednesday reacts after missing his sides first penalty during the Sky Bet Championship play off semi final, second leg match between Sheffield Wednesday and...