Blades Vs Owls: Team news

Last updated : 06 February 2009 By C. Morris

Wednesday go into the game without striker Francis Jeffers who is serving a suspension, Leon Clarke is expected to replace him again as the Owls may stick with the same side that drew 1-1 with high flying Birmingham last weekend.

Club Captain Steve Watson scored the only goal of the game when the two sides met at Hillsborough earlier in the season and he could be in contention for a recall if Brian Laws chooses to change things in the middle of the park.

Talismanic striker Akpo Sodje could also return to the squad but is likely to be a substitute at best following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Blades are also without a striker through suspension after Darius Henderson foolishly got himself dismissed in the midweek victory at Southampton.

New signing Arturo Lupoli is an option to replace him as is Blades fan and former Owls target Billy Sharp but Jamie Ward will be hoping to start after bagging the winning goal in midweek.

At the back Chris Morgan is struggling after picking up a knock at Preston a week ago and former Owl Leigh Bromby will continue if he fails to make it.

For some strange reason some united fans are making the Owls favourites for the game. This goes against a form guide which shows Wednesday as having one of the worst defensive away records in the country with only two wins and one clean sheet on the road to date this season.

The Blades have only lost one of their past twelve fixtures and sit in 4th place in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Wednesday have won only three of their previous twelve games and currently occupy 13th place in the division.

Wednesday have won two and drawn one of the last three games against the Blades but have not won a competitive fixture at Bramall Lane since 1967 and have not done the double over their city rivals since 1914.