'Most at risk' - the tough Sheffield Wednesday decision for AFC Wimbledon clash
Who misses out for The Owls this weekend?
Sheffield Wednesday have got six players on loan, but can only include five of them in a matchday squad.
So far, Jaden Heskey has missed out as Owls boss Henrik Pedersen went with more forward options on the bench, while Ali Al-Hamadi had to be left out due to injury.
But this weekend all six are set to be available after Al-Hamadi has returned to training following an ankle problem. So who will Pedersen have to omit from the matchday 18? Here, we take a look at who is most at risk...
DAVIS KEILLOR-DUNN
The forward made a positive impact off the bench last weekend, helping Wednesday to scrape an unlikely point at Huddersfield Town. It was his brightest showing yet after joining from Wrexham on deadline day. He linked the play, created chances and got shots off. He had been suffering with back pain in the build-up to the trip to West Yorkshire otherwise he probably would have started. It would be a shock if he was left out. He needs to play centrally and not out wide, though.
JADEN HESKEY
Pedersen made the decision to leave him out against Wigan, stating he wanted more attacking options to choose from. But the Manchester City loanee is making it hard for Pedersen to do that again. He scored his first Owls goal in the EFL Trophy earlier this month and then came off the bench to help turn the tide in Wednesday’s favour at Huddersfield. It was his cross that forced the own goal that got the visitors back into it. Not only will some fans expect him to be involved, many are calling for him to start.
KIERAN MORRISON
The Liverpool talent was hooked off at half-time last Saturday but his directness, dribbling and crossing will be needed against a stubborn AFC Wimbledon side. Wednesday’s lack of width against Stockport County when Morrison and Harry Gray were not selected stood-out. They can’t make that mistake again. Even if he does not make the starting line-up, the winger would be a creative option to bring on.
HARRY GRAY
With Louie Barry still out injured, Harry Gray is the most natural pick on the left wing from what we have seen so far. Wednesday will need his energy and runs in behind to stretch The Dons. Still searching for his first Wednesday goal, but one doesn’t look far away.
ALI AL-HAMADI
His Wednesday career is yet to get going following an ankle problem but he should be in contention for this weekend. The Iraq international does not look like an out-and-out number nine based on the evidence seen so far, but it is still early day. He has played as a wide forward in the past. Could he give Pedersen another option wide option? Does he need to be given a chance?
MASON BURSTOW
Pedersen spoke recently about Burstow needing to play more like a number nine. The 23-year-old, on loan from Hull City, has only scored once in 12 appearances so far. He appears to be the one most at risk of falling out of the squad despite some encouraging early signs. If he does miss out, there are plenty of games coming up to force his way back in.