Sheffield Wednesday will be going in search of a fourth consecutive win when they welcome Wigan Athletic to Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon.
The Owls, who have won each of their last five home games against the Latics, climbed to the League One summit for the first time this season last weekend after beating Peterborough United 2-1 at the Weston Homes Stadium.
The victory over Peterborough was Wednesday’s third win in eight days, meaning a clear week ahead of this weekend’s clash with Wigan was a much-needed boost. It has given manager Henrik Pedersen and his players some valuable time on the training pitches at Middlewood Road.
Ahead of the clash with Gary Caldwell’s side, Pedersen has confirmed that centre-back Liam Cooper is available for selection after being taken off at half-time against Peterborough, while a decision will need to be made on fellow defender Ricardo Santos ahead of kick-off. Meanwhile, Harry Gray is back in contention after missing the last three games after suffering a head injury.
With that in mind, The Star has had a go at predicting the starting XI Pedersen might choose.
9. CAM: Callum Slattery
Slattery has quickly established himself as a key player at Hillsborough, playing every minute of the Owls’ League One campaign so far. Alongside providing goals and creativity from the tip of the midfield, he has also shown that he is more than willing to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in. Given his importance to the side, it would be a surprise to see his run of starts come to an end. | ugc
10. LW: Davis Keillor-Dunn
Keillor-Dunn made his Wednesday debut from the start against Peterborough, tasked with leading the line. However, Louie Barry's ongoing absence on the left could see him forced out wide to make room for another striker to start. Keillor-Dunn is a very versatile operator, capable of playing through the middle and out wide. | ugc
11. ST: Mason Burstow
Pedersen has several options to consider when deciding who will lead his attack from the front, meaning the No. 9 berth could be claimed by a number of candidates. However, Burstow has started two of the last three games and was on the scoresheet in the most recent home game against Bromley. He will, though, face competition from Ali Al-Hamadi and others, depending on who starts out wide. | ugc