After signing Jack Marriott and Aden Flint: Our Sheffield Wednesday writers debate the Owls' best XI
and live on Freeview channel 276
But how they line up? Wednesdayites could argue that one until the wee small hours – to use a Bannan/Paterson colloquialism.
Some areas of the pitch are easier arguments to settle than others, but our Wednesday writing duo of Joe Crann and Alex Miller took a look at what their best sides would be after the additions of Jack Marriott and Aden Flint.
There are a few discrepancies. What do you think?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGoalkeepers
Joe Crann – This is really tough, because I genuinely like both keepers at Wednesday and think they’re really close in terms of ability. But for now, I’d stick with Cameron Dawson because I don’t think there’s been any reason to drop him so far this season. He’s looked very solid.
Alex Miller – I’d have to agree with Joe. Everyone at the club will tell you that the goalkeeping battle is one they’ve enjoyed watching so far and the reality is that if Joe Wildsmith had won the metaphorical flip of the coin ahead of Walsall it could be him in ownership of the gloves. Dawson has taken his chance.
Back three
JC – For me, this is now the hardest area of the field to pick. Obviously injuries and availability will dictate a lot here, but there’s one thing for sure – the Owls aren’t lacking any depth anymore. I think it’d depend on the opponents really, but I think (for now at least) it’d be Dominic Iorfa, Tom Lees/Aden Flint and Joost van Aken.
AM – Ooooh, it’s tough. We haven’t seen anything of Chey Dunkley or Aden Flint yet and they’re both surely a big part of the conversation. Iorfa picks himself and Lees has quite probably been the Owls’ player of the season so far. It’s harsh, but I have reservations over van Aken’s defensive aptitude over the course of a season in the Championship. I’ll draw out of a hat and go Iorfa, Lees, Dunkley. Maybe. I’m not sure. The fact is, that competition is fantastic to have.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWing-backs
JC – Kadeem Harris is one of the first on the teamsheet for me at the moment, he’s so energetic and full of running. If he can be more consistent with his final ball then he’ll be very dangerous. I think I’d be tempted to go Liam Palmer/Moses Odubajo on the right, depending on whether they need more defensive or attacking acumen.
AM – Matt Penney seems to have lost ground after a promising start to the season and there are slight reservations about how Liam Palmer has adapted to this new system. Moses Odubajo is a player I’m backing to have a comeback season and is best used against teams the Owls want to attack, but I’m throwing my weight behind Adam Reach on the left with that man Harris on the right.
Central Midfield
JC – I think this practically picks itself when everybody is fit. Massimo Luongo holding, Barry Bannan central and Izzy Brown a little bit further forward. It feels like the makings of a really threatening midfield trio there in my opinion.
AM – Yep, as above. Next?
Strikers
JC – From having just Jordan Rhodes on their books, Wednesday now have a variety of attacking options at their disposal, and the ‘Best XI’ would again depend on the opposition in my eyes. I think right now I’d probably go for Josh Windass/Callum Paterson and Jack Marriott – but I’d like to see how some partnerships flourish before I put my neck on the line!
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAM – I can’t help but think that Rhodes is going to have a lot of time on his hands over the next few months given the priority put on getting four players in ahead of him. For me, Elias Kachunga probably sits in as the Owls’ number four, and the other three can work in a horses for courses throw-up. I’m a Windass fan and so will go with him and Marriott.