Both looking to boost their unlikely playoff charges, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City will clash at Hillsborough on Wednesday night for an all-important Championship contest.
The Owls were convincing losers in a Yorkshire derby on the weekend, whilst the Robins' struggles on the road continued at the home of Frank Lampard's Coventry City.
Match preview
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After finishing 20th on their return to the Championship during the 2023-24 campaign and pulling off somewhat of a great escape from the bottom three under the forward-thinking stewardship of Danny Rohl, Sheffield Wednesday are aiming to compete at the top end of the division this time around.
Those lofty ambitions were met with a large dose of realism on Sunday afternoon at Elland Road, though, where the Owls suffered their joint-heaviest defeat of the season to date, with goals from Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka securing a three-strike success for title-chasing Leeds United.
Collecting four points from their opening three second-tier battles of the new calendar year, Sheffield Wednesday are currently occupying 10th spot in the Championship standings, just four points behind Tony Mowbray's West Bromwich Albion who are guarding entry to the playoffs.
It is not harsh to state that Rohl's troops need an improvement on their home form if they wish to upset the odds and book a spot in the post-season picture, with the Owls winning just five of their 14 Hillsborough matches this term - only Plymouth Argyle (4), Stoke City (4) and Hull City (2) have won fewer games at their respective bases.
One of a couple of key men who have been linked with a switch away from the Yorkshire outfit this month, Josh Windass is on course for the campaign of his career during 2024-25, with the Santos target netting 10 goals across 25 Championship appearances, whilst also providing two assists.
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Following a four-game unbeaten run to conclude their festive schedule, Bristol City have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since late November recently, exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 11 before losing at Coventry in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Robins had little joy in the East Midlands contest after a presentable chance fell to Nahki Wells within the opening few minutes, with the Sky Blues quick to take control of proceedings, scoring the only goal at The CBS Arena courtesy of summer arrival Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Those of a Bristol City persuasion will travel to Hillsborough in hope more than expectation of success on Wednesday night, especially considering that Liam Manning's men have experienced a severe dip in form on the road, winning none and earning only two points from their last six away games in the league.
As a result, the Robins largely have a three-game winning run at Ashton Gate to thank for their commendable proximity to the playoff zone after 27 matches, with Wednesday's visitors sitting in ninth spot, level on points with Sheffield Wednesday and four points back from West Brom.
With last season's talisman Tommy Conway moving to Middlesbrough over the summer and new signing Fally Mayulu failing to hit the ground running in the West Country, Bristol City have been appreciative of the attacking antics of Anis Mehmeti, who has netted nine Championship goals this term.
Team News
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Sheffield Wednesday were hit with a negative piece of transfer news recently, with Southampton deciding to recall Shea Charles from his loan, although the youngster is able to play two more matches for Rohl's men before returning to the South Coast.
The recall of the Northern Irishman has led to concerns that Brighton & Hove Albion could do the same with goalkeeper James Beadle, although there are no signs that such a move is forthcoming from the Seagulls.
The Owls also have injury issues to battle against as the transfer window rolls on, with centre-back Dominic Iorfa sidelined until February due to a hamstring issue.
Suffering with a hamstring problem of his own, Bristol City defender Ayman Benarous remains out of action, with the 21-year-old yet to feature in a competition sense this term.
The Robins are also short of options on the flanks of their backline due to the muscle injury of Cameron Pring, who has not played since the New Year's Day draw with Plymouth.
Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:
Beadle; Valery, Ihiekwe, Bernard, Lowe; Bannan, Charles, Musaba, Ingelsson, Gassama; Windass
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Dickie, McNally; Sykes, Knight, Bird, Roberts; Twine, Bell, Armstrong
We say: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Bristol City
After a sobering afternoon at Elland Road on Sunday in a Yorkshire derby, Sheffield Wednesday will be desperate to produce an improved showing against Bristol City on Wednesday.
The Robins have been poor travellers since the end of November, and we can envisage their winless run away from Ashton Gate extending to seven matches.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Carter White
