Sheffield Wednesday will begin life without Henrik Pedersen when they host Cambridge United in League One at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening.
Pedersen was sacked by the Owls on Sunday, less than 24 hours after overseeing a 2-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at the Club Doncaster Sports Village. Wednesday produced another flat and uninspiring display against their South Yorkshire rivals, prompting the club’s hierarchy to decide that a change was necessary.
First-team coach Matt Hamshaw has been placed in caretaker charge and will oversee the visit of the U’s, who will also be looking to return to winning ways after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at the weekend.
Ahead of the visit of the U’s, Hamshaw will welcome midfielder Callum Slattery back into contention after he missed the trip to Doncaster through suspension. Meanwhile, the likes of Reece James and Harry Gray will be pushing for recalls.
Here is how The Star thinks Wednesday could line up...
1. GK: Ashley Maynard-Brewer
With Joe Lumley set to miss a fourth consecutive game due to a rib injury, Maynard-Brewer is expected to continue between the sticks. Having conceded four goals in his last two appearances, he will be keen to add to the clean sheet he kept against AFC Wimbledon in the Owls’ most recent home game. | Steve Ellis
2. RB: Yan Valery
Having established himself as the first-choice right-back this season, he is expected to retain his place against Cambridge. However, like almost all of his teammates, he will need to produce a better performance than he has in the last two games. | Steve Ellis
3. CB: Liam Cooper
Arguably Wednesday’s best player so far this season, Cooper is one of the few players to have emerged with credit from the recent run of games. He has been a dependable presence, leading by example both on and off the pitch. On current form, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet. | Getty Images
4. CB: Sil Swinkels
Having been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury, Swinkels was named among the substitutes at Doncaster, suggesting he is close to a return to action. If fit enough to start, he should come into the back four to provide Wednesday with a fresh option.