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:
5. RWB: Liam Palmer
Palmer has been deployed at right wing-back for each of the last three games and that trend could continue at Deepdale. He offered a solid account of himself against Blackburn. | UGC
6. CM: Jarvis Thornton
His physical condition will almost certainly dictate whether or not he can make a third Championship start in seven days, but if he is able to, he deserves another starting berth. His first two league starts have seen him produce to very assured displays. | UGC
7. CM: Barry Bannan
Bannan continues to lead by example, running through brick walls for the Owls. Whenever he's fit, he starts. | UGC
8. LWB: Harry Amass
One of the very first names on the teamsheet, Amass will be expecting to maintain his run of starting every Championship game since joining Wednesday on loan. | UGC