Read Adam Baker's big match preview blog, only on bcfc.co.uk.
OPPOSITION
The Owls are fighting for their Championship lives after a rocky campaign. They registered just four league wins up until December, ultimately leading to the sacking of Brian Laws - now at Burnley. Alan Irvine was drafted in but after a positive start, the South Yorkshire club remain in trouble. They are unbeaten in their last six matches, albeit five of those games being draws. Luke Varney is the undoubted danger-man having just been crowned Championship player of the month for March. Leon Clarke and Marcus Tudgay offer other attacking options, and Francis Jeffers is also a regular squad member. Darren Purse is a steadying influence at the back.
MANAGER
Alan Irvine arrived at Hillsborough in January following Brian Laws' departure. Began this season with Preston North End, whom he had guided to the Championship play-offs just a couple of months earlier. However, he was surprisingly sacked at Deepdale following a poor start to the campaign. Subsequently joined the Hillsborough club and guided them to four wins in five games. Things have tailed off a bit since though. Preston was his first managerial role after a lengthy period as a coach at Everton under David Moyes.
FORM
DDWDDD
REFEREE
Graham Salisbury from Staffordshire. Took charge of City's goalless draw at Newcastle back in October. Just two months earlier he oversaw Sheffield Wednesday's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat at Port Vale. Has shown 63 yellow cards and three red cards in 31 games this season.
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