The Owls lost their opening Championship game of the season to Leicester City on Sunday, but put up a good fight at the King Power as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to the promotion-chasing Foxes.
And there’s not much time for a turnaround for Henrik Pedersen as he prepares his side for their first Carabao Cup game of 2025/26, so changes are to be expected. Especially with a squad as threadbare as Wednesday’s.
Barry Bannan is suspended, so he won’t feature, and Nathaniel Chalobah’s injury means that he’s out of contention too. Yan Valery was forced off against Leicester so is highly unlikely to take part, and it seems almost guaranteed that Pedersen will make a whole host of changes when they head to the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
With all that in mind, and a hungry group of youngsters waiting in the wings, we’ve had a go at predicting the Dane’s XI to face the Trotters:
5. Reece Johnson - LB
Wednesday aren't flush for left back options at the moment, and if they're to rest the likes of Max Lowe and Liam Palmer, then Johnson is the only real option for that position. He has been with the seniors over the summer, but he's got no first team experience. | Steve Ellis
6. Sean Fusire - CM
Fusire feels like an almost guaranteed starter as one of the most experienced of all the academy players, and he got minutes in this competition last season. He'll relish the chance to start at Bolton. Nathaniel Chalobah is out, and this would be a straight swap. | Steve Ellis
7. Rio Shipston - CM
The youngster has a good few games under his belt at senior level, both for Wednesday and away on loan with Cork City. It'd be a good chance to give him some time on the pitch, especially with Barry Bannan suspended. | Steve Ellis
8. Bruno Fernandes - AMR
Wednesdayites are yet to see Fernandes at first team level, but after being named as part of the first team this summer - and given a squad number - that could change in 2025/26. He was on the bench at Leicester, and could get a chance to step up in the cup. | Steve Ellis