"They need to go for it" Garry Monk comments on Sheffield Wednesday tactics for do-or-die Derby shootout

Dependent on Rotherham’s progress in their game in hand at Luton Town on Tuesday, the Owls will make the trip to Pride Park on Saturday in what could effectively be a straight shootout for Championship survival.

Wednesday played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest this weekend while Derby squandered a lead to lose 2-1 at Swansea City.

Speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports’ live coverage of both matches, Monk said he can foresee a change in approach from the Wednesday players, who he felt played within themselves in the Hillsborough draw.

Next weekend, he said, there will be no option but to attack the occasion.

He said: “I think, hopefully, from Sheffield Wednesday’s point of view, that they’ve learned a bit from today where they played the game quite tentatively and to not make a mistake.

“That’s understandable, but then they ended up making some big mistakes that thankfully weren’t punished.

“They’re still the ones that are chasing and this is the last chance.

“For the teams below Derby, maybe it’s a bit easier in terms of mentality because it is that last chance. There are no other games after this, they need to go for it.”

A great escape would be a remarkable twist in the table for the Owls, who have so far spent only one week outside of the bottom three this season.