Sheffield Wednesday travel to Ashton Gate on Saturday in search of only their second away win of the season and go there without a number of first team regulars.
The squad has been badly hit by a virus that has swept through the club in the past week with the PR at Hillsborough stating that several players have been affected by the illness. Although no names have been given at this stage it is thought that the central midfield partnership of James O’Connor and Darren Potter are among those that are struggling. To cover for this Nick Wood, Max Wragg, Callum Harrison and Nathan Modest have been added to the squad.
In addition to the bug Wednesday have also been hit by the news that Michael Gray will miss out due to a hamstring injury picked up at Watford and of course there is the fact that Richard Wood has been transfer listed and is unlikely to be selected.
Taking these issues into account the under fire back four could get another reprieve although Lewis Buxton and Darren Purse could find their places under threat from Frank Simek and Richard Hinds if they are amongst those not affected by the illness.
The home side could be without full back Bradley Orr as he is struggling to overcome a calf injury and fellow defenders Liam Fontaine and Brian Wilson will definitely miss the clash due to their respective injuries.
The leaky Owls defence will have to improve on recent performances if they are to contain in form striker Nicky Maynard who has bagged 8 goals in 13 league starts this season.
Wednesday have picked up just 5 points from a possible 21 on the road so far and Bristol are yet to lose at home with 5 wins from their 7 league games at Ashton Gate.
Although recent form points to nothing other than a home win, Wednesday have a decent historical record at Ashton gate having won eight, drawn six and lost nine. The visit at the end of last season saw the Owls grab a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Darren Potter goal and Wednesday would probably be content with a point on Saturday given their current form and predicament.