Throw caution to the wind – Joe Crann’s Sheffield Wednesday XI for Derby County showdown

The Owls take on Derby County at Pride Park at 12.30pm tomorrow knowing that only three points can keep them in the Championship, and that even if they achieve that then a win for Rotherham United over Cardiff City could render it pointless anyway.

It remains to be seen whether Darren Moore will be present, but he’s still be heavily involved in squad selection and is having daily conversations with players at the club.

Wednesday have to be forward thinking, and they have to be at the races – two things that they most certainly weren’t against Nottingham Forest in their penultimate game of the campaign.

With that in mind, here’s my XI (3-4-3) for this crucial game in Derbyshire, and it’s all about getting the club’s four top-scoring players on the pitch at the same time.

Keiren Westwood – All about his experience.

Julian Börner – Not in the best of form, but an actual left-footed centre back for balance.

Sam Hutchinson – A leader, a solid performer and has been tidy in the heart of defence.

Osaze Urhoghide – Young, but has pace and passion and can also get forward when required.

Adam Reach – Not been the best season for him, but still the best option at left wingback.

Barry Bannan – The captain, an ever-present this season, and one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Callum Paterson – Played well in the midfield against Barnsley, and I see him playing a similar ‘bully-boy’ role against Derby.

Josh Windass – Another shoe-in, really. Wednesday’s top scorer, and one of the most willing runners in the team. The biggest goal threat.

Jordan Rhodes – A man who splits opinion, but he has got a few goals this season and Wednesday have a better record when he starts.

Andre Green – Pace, with some tricks in his locker. Struggled against Forest, but was the best player for the Owls against Middlesbrough.

All of tomorrow’s games get underway at 12.30 as the 2020/21 Championship season comes to a close across the country.

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