Sheffield Wednesday will be going in search of a winning start to the 2026/27 campaign when they face Bolton Wanderers in the first round of the Carabao Cup at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon.
Following an impressive summer off the pitch, optimism and excitement levels are as high as they have been in years at Hillsborough, with Owls supporters looking forward to the future under new ownership group Arise Capital Partners.
Alongside making a series of ground improvements and upgrades at the club’s Middlewood Road training ground, Arise have also overseen the arrivals of 13 new signings already this summer, meaning everyone is confident Wednesday will put the misery of last season firmly behind them.
With a whole host of new faces being drafted in over the last few weeks, manager Henrik Pedersen now faces the task of trying to work out his strongest starting XI for next Saturday’s League One opener against Leyton Orient, meaning a competitive outing to start the season is probably just what he needed.
Ahead of their clash with Bolton, here is how The Star thinks Wednesday could line up...
9. CAM: Callum Slattery
Drafted in to bring goals and creativity to the team, Slattery showed flashes of quality during pre-season. With Wednesday's primary shape set to be a 4-2-3-1 this season, Slattery is poised to occupy the No.10 berth and become their chief attacking midfielder. He is an exciting addition and will be looking to hit the ground running. | Getty Images
10. LM: Louie Barry
Excelling in League One previously with Stockport County, Barry is an eye-catching signing for Wednesday. He is determined to put down some roots at Hillsborough after a series of loan spells in recent years, and Wednesday have matched that ambition by giving him a four-year deal. He is going to be expected to deliver goals and creativity from the left flank, meaning that particular spot is his to lose. | Getty Images
11. ST: Mason Burstow
After ending last season at Wembley, helping Bolton earn promotion to the Championship, Burstow will be hoping to make his Wednesday debut against them this weekend. He is currently in competition with Jamal Lowe and Harry Gray to lead Wednesday's attack, meaning whoever gets the nod against Wanderers will be hoping to impress ahead of next weekend's League One opener. It could be any three of them that are selected up front for this one, to be honest. | Getty Images