Wednesday could name an unchanged team for tomorrow’s televised lunchtime clash at Bristol City.
The trio of Steven Fletcher, Fernando Forestieri and Morgan Fox, who have all declined short-term contract extensions, are unlikely to figure in the starting line-up for what is their last opportunity to play for the club before their current agreements end on June 30. Fletcher, who limped off within minutes of coming on as a sub in the 1-1 home draw with Forest last Saturday, is not likely to have recovered in time anyway.
Sam Hutchinson and Sam Winnall are also not expected to be considered with their S6 contracts terminating next week.
Loanee Josh Windass is still out injured but our other three loan players – Connor Wickham, Jacob Murphy and Alessio Da Cruz – are all likely to be in the squad and Garry Monk says he is hopeful of keeping the quartet for the remainder of the season.
It was a much-improved display in the draw with Forest, our first game back following the three-month lockdown, with Monk playing a 5-3-2 formation.
Young midfielder Alex Hunt, who impressed as a sub against Forest, could come into contention for a place in the starting line-up while Atdhe Nuhiu, who has extended his contract until the end of the season, may also be in Monk’s thoughts as a possible starter.
We go into the game on 49 points, seven clear of the relegation positions, while Bristol City still have hopes of a place in the play-offs despite a run of five games without a win before the lockdown and followed by a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn last Saturday.
Ex-Owl loanee Benik Afobe could return to the City line-up and Nahki Wells, who has scored his fair share of goals against us over the years, is also tipped to be in the starting eleven.
The match is a noon kick off and is being screened live on Sky Sports.