What Garry Monk said about the possibility of playing three at the back against Brentford

The Owls boss refused to rule out the possibility of keeping to a similar defensive set-up of the one that earned a credible 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City in midweek.

Liam Palmer performed well on the right-hand side of a back three with Dominic Iorfa and Julian Börner.

The German was substituted at half-time in the clash with a tight hamstring and faced a fitness test ahead of the trip to London. Club captain Tom Lees could deputise after coming on against the English champions.

Asked whether the Owls could line up the three at the back once again was a tactic under consideration, Monk said: “I think everything is. It is always a difficult game there. I have never had an easy game. It is a tight pitch and their performance levels at home have always been very, very high.

“We are going to have to be very good from a defensive point of view. We are going to need the focus, concentration and the level of commitment we saw on Wednesday.

“I will select a team and set up that I think we can do best with.”

The Bees are sat in fifth position but are on a run of five matches without a win, presenting Wednesday with a window of opportunity.

“I think all teams have gone through periods,” Monk said. “If you look at things from a result base, you can easily make an assumption.

“But when you analyse and watch Brentford, even in that period they have played well. They have probably been unlucky not to have more results. All teams go through but what they are is a very good and dynamic side.

“We are going to have to be very good defensively and show the same concentration and focus as we did the other night.

“What we should be allowed is a bit more offensive play and we need to use that as best as we can.”