Well-known pundit backs Sheffield Wednesday for successful season - but only if they improve this aspect
The Owls are fourth in League One
Sheffield Wednesday have been backed to win automatic promotion but only if they improve their home form.
The Owls are fourth in League One, two points off the top having played two games fewer. They are averaging crowds of more than 30,000 at Hillsborough but have only won one out of four. But on their travels they have a 100% success rate, all by a 2-1 scoreline.
Wednesday thrashed Bromley 7-2 but have failed to score against Bradford City, Wigan Athletic and Stockport County. Long-serving pundit Don Goodman likened Wednesday’s situation to when he was a player at Wolves when opposition teams would ‘raise their game.’
“I know Sheffield Wednesday have had a good start but it’s interesting when you analyse their results,” Goodman told ‘best betting sites’ OLBG. “Their average home crowd is 31,500, which is massive but what is fascinating to me is that they're doing better away from those 31,500 fans. Away from home, they've won all three games by a 2-1 scoreline. But at Hillsborough, they've won one, drawn two, and lost one of the four they've played.
“I guess, really, if you're an away team going to Hillsborough in front of a massive crowd, it's almost like your cup final at League 1 level. It can raise opponents' games. I've experienced that at several clubs that I've been with, particularly Wolves back in the day, where we were playing in front of a full house every week, and teams were coming and raising their games. That's something that players at big clubs have to contend with all the time at all levels. So I'm sure they're going to improve on that home form.”
Despite the sticky start at S6, Goodman is backing Wednesday to be challenging for a top two finish. The Owls restart their league campaign away at third-placed Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
“All in all, it's a great start when you consider what was going on at the club 12 months ago,” Goodman added. “I think we were all resigned to the fact that they would be a League One club this season, and they are. What we didn't know was what the squad was going to look like and whether they'd be able to recruit. They have. I think they've brought in some good players and done good transfer business. All in all, I'm optimistic for an automatic promotion push, but I'd like to see their home results improve soon.”