Danny Rohl is set to recall some of his regular first teamers to start Wednesday’s Championship match with Watford at Hillsborough tomorrow.
The manager made wholesale changes to the starting eleven when we took on Premier League Brentford in our midweek Carabao Cup tie in West London, introducing more experienced subs during the second half as we took the Bees all the way, before bowing out 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Now Rohl can be expected to rotate his squad again, with midfield duo Barry Bannan and club Player of the Month Shea Charles, along with keeper James Beadle, all likely to be in action from kick off when we take on Watford, the trio having been rested from the midweek action.
Di’Shon Bernard and Josh Windass may well start the game after coming on from the bench at Brentford while Pol Valentin is available again following his one-game Carabao Cup ban on Tuesday evening.
Akin Famewo is a long-term casualty after getting injured at Portsmouth while Olaf Kobacki continues to be sidelined. Michael Ihiekwe is making progress after his injury but is not yet fit to return.
We go into the Watford clash with only one defeat in our last six league outings and with another home fixture, against Norwich on Tuesday evening, to follow. The Hornets sit just outside the play-off places but have won just once so far on their travels in the Championship.
Danny Rohl said at yesterday’s press conference: “We need to play on the front foot, create pressure and good energy in the stadium.
“There is still space to improve but our direction is right and the way we are playing at the moment gives me a good feeling for the future games.”
He warned of Watford being a team who have the individuals to create goals out of nothing and added: “We need to be aware of this and not give them small chances.
“At the moment, I think the top eight or nine clubs will fight for the play-offs but the next two games are great opportunities for us. Let’s see what we can do ourselves in those matches and see where we after that.”
Rohl also gave a big praise to the sellout travelling Wednesday fans who made the long trips to Portsmouth and Brentford in the space of four days, saying: “A big thank you to our away supporters for the two trips they made. Friday evening and then Tuesday night is not normal but it was great to have them behind us.”
*Tomorrow’s game represents the Owls’ designated home Remembrance fixture.
The captains of Wednesday and Watford will lay wreaths in the centre circle ahead of kick-off before a period of silence, followed by a rendition of The Last Post as we honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Supporters are advised to arrive at the stadium in good time as the turnstiles will close at 2.55pm, before reopening at 3pm.
A bucket collection will also be held for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal around the ground before the match.