Sheffield Wednesday have lost just one out of six play-off encounters, and the Owls have reached the final every time they’ve entered.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Carlos Carvalhal
Despite suffering a minor scare when they dropped out of the top six briefly a few weeks ago, Sheffield Wednesday will have at least two extra fixtures once the season is finished as a result of finishing in the play-off positions.
The Owls have had two previous play-off campaigns, and their overall record stands at played six, won four, drawn one and lost one – but whether history will favour them in this year’s format remains to be seen. Here’s how those last two campaigns panned out.
2004/05
Wednesday were in their second season in League One following a horror show in their first year down, which saw them finish 16th. Their second season was much better, with the Owls finishing fifth and in the play-offs as a result. Wednesday were paired with Brentford, and won both semi-final legs – 1-0 and 2-1 respectively – setting up a final at the Millennium Stadium against Hartlepool United. The Owls took the lead through a Jon-Paul McGovern strike, but Hartlepool scored twice to take a 2-1 lead, with Wednesday needing a Steve MacLean penalty to force extra time. There, Glenn Whelan and Drew Talbot put the game beyond doubt, and Wednesday were promoted following a 4-2 win.
Glenn Whelan , Drew Talbot , Steven MacLean and Jon-Paul McGovern – Sheffield Wednesday celebrate gaining promotion
2015/16
Unfortunately for Wednesday fans, their second play-off adventure was less successful. Carlos Carvalhal’s side had an excellent season, finishing sixth, and were paired with a Brighton and Hove Albion side who missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference. A shellshocked Brighton – missing a few key players – were defeated 2-0 at Hillsborough, while the Owls secured a brilliant 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium to reach Wembley, where they’d face Hull City. However, London wasn’t kind to the Sheffield side, and a thunderbolt from Mohamed Diame settled the tie in Hull’s favour. The Owls will be looking to take inspiration from Brighton, who made up for last season’s pain by getting the job done this time around.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Tom Lees looks dejected as Hull City fans celebrate promotion back to the Premier League at the end of the match
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