Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to three matches and make a winning start to 2026 when they face Preston North End at Deepdale on Thursday afternoon.
The Owls, who have won just one of their last eight visits to Deepdale, have enjoyed an uplifting festive period thus far, producing two battling performances that saw them draw 2-2 with Hull City at Hillsborough on Boxing Day and then 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers just over 72 hours later.
Although Henrik Pedersen’s troops offered obvious signs of fatigue against Blackburn on Monday night, they produced a solid defensive showing to secure just a third clean sheet of the season.
Having ended 2025 on a positive note, they will be hoping to start 2026 in an even better fashion by securing just a second win of the campaign. Ahead of their New Year’s Day trip to Lancashire, here is how we think the Owls could line up:
1. GK: Pierce Charles
The Northern Ireland international is back up to speed after his shoulder injury and has been solid in the last few games. He will be hoping to be just as quiet as he was against Blackburn at Deepdale. | UGC
2. RCB: Dominic Iorfa
Produced his best performance for a while against Blackburn, bursting forward and tracking back with desire. The right-sided centre-back spot is his to lose. | UGC
3. CB: Gabriel Otegbayo
Otegbayo also had an assured evening against Blackburn, helping Wednesday earn a rare clean sheet. A run in the team will only boost his confidence and improve him as a player. | UGC
4. LCB: Liam Cooper
This is a tough call for Henrik Pedersen. After Cooper pulled out of the starting XI against Blackburn after suffering a reaction to some medication, Cole McGhee came in and did a sterling job. However, if Cooper is available, it would be no great surprise to see him come back into the team and offer Wednesday some experience at the back. | UGC