Stoke stumbing block to Owls revival bid

The Potters are unbeaten in seven matches and stand fourth in the table.

They are renowned as a big, powerful side, perhaps even more so than the Leicester outfit who won at Hillsborough.

Sidibe believes that Stoke are in the form to sustain a realistic promotion challenge. We are delighted with how the season is going so far," he said.

"It will be a long, hard season, but we have already shown how good we can be. We got a point at West Brom, who are a very good team.

"We have also beaten Charlton, who are the favourites.

"If we keep playing how we have been playing then there is no reason why we can't be up there at the end of the season."

Stoke kept up their successful run by beating Colchester 2-1 at home last Saturday.

Sidibe added: "We are delighted with where we are; everyone is working extremely hard; that is why we are where we are; everyone gives 100 per cent."

The Owls will be bidding to bounce back now that their consecutive wins against Hull and Norwich have been followed by defeats against Watford and Leicester, which means they have lost eight out of their 10 League games.

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Anything earned at Stoke could be seen as a bonus, and Wednesday will look to the two matches after that, at home to Scunthorpe and Blackpool, as a real chance to get some points on the board.

While ever the Owls are languishing at the wrong end of the table there is more chance of speculation about Brian Laws's job - something that he takes in his stride.

"Managers are always under pressure, because it's a results-based business. We'll be working hard on the training ground to put things right.

"I believe in these players. They're good enough to do well in this league."

The Owls tonight face their first home Reserves match of the season, against Hull (7pm).

The first two home matches in the Pontins League were switched from Hillsborough to away grounds to aid the stadium's recovery from flood damage.

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