Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to bring their three-game winless run to an end when they welcome Blackpool to Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday began life without former boss Henrik Pedersen with an entertaining 1-1 draw against Cambridge United at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening. Despite taking the lead through Mason Burstow, the Owls were forced to settle for a point after Sully Kaikai finished off a rapid U’s counter-attack to equalise.
With Pedersen’s successor yet to be appointed, interim boss Matt Hamshaw will take charge for a second time and will be determined to lead the Owls to a much-needed three points following a run of just one win in their last seven League One matches.
Ahead of the visit of the Tangerines, Wednesday are waiting to discover whether centre-backs Liam Cooper, Ricardo Santos and Di’Shon Bernard will be available, with Hamshaw admitting that an extra day’s preparation for the game could boost their chances of featuring.
Here is how The Star thinks Wednesday could line up...
5. LB: Reece James
If Cooper, Santos and/or Bernard are passed fit, James will have a say in Lowe’s chances of starting at left-back. The former Rotherham United man was superb against Cambridge, regularly getting forward to support the attack. The left-back spot is currently his to lose. | Getty Images
6. CM: Jaden Heskey
After being left out of the squad against Cambridge due to the limit of five loanees permitted in a matchday squad, Heskey will be targeting a recall on Sunday. Alongside Barry Bannan and Billy Mitchell, he is competing for one of two spots at the base of the midfield. His athleticism could help him secure a starting place for a game the Owls will be desperate to win. | Getty Images
7. CM: Barry Bannan
Bannan produced one of his best performances since returning to Hillsborough against Cambridge, reminding everyone of the creativity he brings to the table. He also came within a whisker of scoring, clipping the post in the second half. Having started every league game this season, he is likely to continue that run against one of his former clubs. | Getty Images
8. RM: Kieran Morrison
After starting on the bench in midweek, Morrison will be determined to earn a recall. Wednesday have plenty of options in the attacking department, giving Hamshaw scope to rotate his forward line. It would therefore come as little surprise to see the Liverpool loanee return to the starting XI and start on the right flank. | Getty Images