Sheffield Wednesday: Five things new boss Garry Monk must address
and live on Freeview channel 276
Monk's side face local rivals Huddersfield Town in a televised clash at the John Smith's Stadium, kick-off noon.
Despite the team's stuttering start to the season, there remains an air of optimism around Hillsborough.
But here are five pressing things Monk must address:
1) Decide on Wednesday's best midfield
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Owls have constantly tweaked the personnel or shape in the midfield engine room. Having kicked off a busy August programme by playing three in the centre against Reading, Wednesday finished the month by fielding two in the middle of the park in Sam Hutchinson and Barry Bannan in their dismal defeat to Queens Park Rangers.
Yes, they were deprived of Bannan's services through injury at home to Barnsley, meaning Adam Reach was moved inside.
But Kieran Lee and summer recruit Massimo Luongo have been in and out of the side. In Luongo's case, he has yet to be given an extended run.
Monk needs to quickly settle on his preferred midfield.
2) Get the best out of Adam Reach
We have seen in the last 18 to 24 months that Reach can do some serious damage at the top end of the pitch. His energy, drive, creativity and eye for goal has been invaluable to Wednesday's cause. Reach found the back of the net on nine occasions last term, establishing himself as an integral cog in the Owls machine.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut Reach's performances and form has been patchy this season. He has gone off the boil and struggled to get into a rhythm, having played in several positions.
Worryingly, Reach has gone 16 matches without a goal.
He insisted: "The goals will come; I have got no doubts about that."
Reach has plenty of confidence in his own ability. He is a big talent but Wednesday's supporters have not seen the best in him in a while.
3) Make Wednesday harder to break down
Although the Owls have recorded three clean sheets in their opening seven fixtures, that does not quite tell the whole story. They have looked far from convincing at the back and given away a number of soft goals.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWednesday were undone by a set play at Millwall, conceded two soft, avoidable penalties at Preston North End and QPR exploited big gaps in between the defence and midfield before the first international break.
Should captain Tom Lees shake off a hamstring problem in time for the trip to Huddersfield, he is likely to return in defence and that would be a major boost. But regardless of whether Lees is available for selection, the Owls must tighten up as a collective unit, particularly on the road.
4) The forwards must step up to take the pressure off Steven Fletcher
Fletcher is the leader of Wednesday's attack, having notched three goals in six Championship starts. His intelligent hold up play and aerial prowess are key to the Owls' forward forays.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut Fletcher can't do it all on his own. He needs more help.
Kadeem Harris has done his bit since arriving on a free transfer from Cardiff City, weighing in with two goals from the wide areas.
Now the likes of Fernando Forestieri (after he has served his six-match ban), Sam Winnall, Jordan Rhodes and Atdhe Nuhiu need to pull their weight and ease some of the strain on Fletcher.
5) Bring in additional coaching staff
This is the first full week Monk has been in the job and he is leaning heavily on former interim manager Lee Bullen to get the lowdown on the strengths and weaknesses of his current squad.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut Wednesday remain down on numbers in terms of their first-team backroom staff, with Steve Bruce having taken Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence with him to Newcastle United.
Birmingham City coach James Beattie and performance analyst Ryan Needs have been heavily linked with moves to Hillsborough.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.