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:
9. CAM: Svante Ingelsson
After starting on the bench against Blackburn due to fatigue, it would be a huge surprise if Ingelsson is not recalled to the starting XI at Deepdale. He could replace Jamal Lowe, who appeared to be low on energy against Blackburn, meaning there could be a slight reshuffle in attack. | UGC
10. ST: Charlie McNeill
After returning to the starting XI against Blackburn, McNeill could bank another start on New Year's Day, albeit in a more advanced role. He has grown a lot in recent weeks and Wednesday will be keen for him to continue developing. | UGC
11. ST: Bailey Cadamarteri
The draw with Blackburn was a tough contest for Cadamarteri to impose himself on. After producing an excellent performance against Hull City on Boxing Day, he was bereft of any service against Rovers. Nevertheless, he deserves to keep his place. | UGC