The Dave Challinor era at Sheffield Wednesday will get underway this weekend, kicking off a long-term mission from Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park in the FA Cup first round.
The new Owls boss has spoken about steady progress towards the ultimate goal of how he wants to go about things at Hillsborough but has suggested there will be things to scope out in terms of changes early doors.
Challinor told The Star this week: “Hopefully, you'll see a change... Everyone will look at it and talk about different shapes. How we do it is different in terms of different parts of the pitch. It's not particularly a 4-4-2 or a 3-5-2.
“We're pretty standard in terms of how we'll build in certain areas. We need to get some excitement into this place (Hillsborough). That comes from being positive, playing forward, being purposeful with our possession, making the other team defend for long periods and getting the supporters off the seats. Hopefully, we can see that immediately.”
With little to go on, we’ve had a crack at selecting a predicted line-up for the match.
1. GK - Ashley Maynard- Brewer
The Aussie stopper has stepped in through the absence of injured Joe Lumley and has proven a dependable shot-stopper, last weekend's error notwithstanding. | Steve Ellis
2. RWB - Yan Valery
A player who has a little bit more than perhaps he has shown at points this season, Valery is a shoo-in for the right wing-back spot should Challinor plump for a system that requires it. | Steve Ellis
3. RCB - Liam Palmer
With so many injuries at the back, it could well be something of a juggle. Club skipper Palmer produced his best performance of the campaign last time out and can bring experience and nous to the right of a back three. | Steve Ellis
4. CB - Ernie Weaver
A 'meat and drink' defender who has a lot to learn in his game, Weaver has had highs and lows in his limited involvement this season. With experience around him and another body, he could well be chosen to step into an injury-wobbled line-up. | Steve Ellis