Preview: Sheffield Wednesday Home

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

The Owls are well in the race to secure a top-six finish, just as they did last season. Seven wins in their last ten matches is good form and they come to Ashton Gate looking to complete the double against Lee Johnson’s men. A recent 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion may have put the automatic places out of reach, but with the recent addition of Sam Winnall to their striking ranks, the Owls look to have the firepower to possibly go one better than last season’s Wembley heartache against Hull City in the Championship play-off final. 

MANAGER

Carlos Carvalhal – The Portuguese took his first steps into English management when he was appointed head coach of the Owls in the summer of 2015. He had previously taken charge of 11 clubs in his home country, including Braga, along with Turkish sides Besiktas and Istanbul, plus Greek outfit Asteras Setubal. Carvalhal – a central defender capped by Portugal Under-21s in his playing days – led Wednesday to the play-off final in his first season in charge, ultimately losing out 1-0 to Hull City. 

OFFICIALS

Referee Oliver Langford will be in charge of the match, assisted by Daniel Leach and John Flynn. Brett Huxtable has been named as the fourth official.   

TICKETS

The match is pay on the night for home supporters, with Silver category prices. 

LAST TIME OUT

Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Bristol City, September 13th 2016. It was heartbreak for City as they let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 3-2 in stoppage time. Tammy Abraham’s first-half brace put City in charge of the contest. Steven Fletcher reduced the arrears just after half-time, but then Sam Hutchinson was red-carded for bringing down Marlon Pack in the box. Lee Tomlin stepped up to take the spot-kick but crashed his effort against the post. In the ensuing aftermath, Gary O’Neil received a second yellow card for halting the Owls’ counter, evening up the teams to ten apiece. Barry Bannan’s long-range effort had the beating of Richard O’Donnell to make it 2-2, then Kieran Lee popped up at the death to win it. 

LAST SEASON

Sky Bet Championship: Sixth (lost in the play-off final) 
FA Cup: Fourth round (lost to Shrewsbury Town) 
EFL Cup: Fifth round (lost to Stoke City) 

DID YOU KNOW?

Sheffield Wednesday were once nicknamed the Blades, a term used for any sporting team from the city, famous the world over for its cutlery and knives. Although it is widely assumed that the club's nickname changed to the Owls in 1899 after their move to Owlerton, it wasn't until 1912, when Wednesday player George Robertson presented the club with an owl mascot, that the name took hold. 

ODDS

Sky Bet has installed Sheffield Wednesday as narrow favourites at 6/4, with City priced at 9/5. The draw is a 23/10 shot.