Sheffield Wednesday’s unbeaten home record will be put to the test once more on Saturday when League One leaders Charlton Athletic visit Hillsborough. A home win would put the Owls right in contention at the top of the table but a first home defeat of the season would give the Londoners some breathing space between themselves and the play-off places.
Gary Megson could hand a debut to new signing Mike Jones who signed from Bury on Thursday. Jones may be vying for a wide midfield spot with Jermaine Johnson following the end of James Tavernier’s loan spell at the club.
Full-back Lewis Buxton is close to a return having resumed full training and top scorer Gary Madine played 45 minutes of a behind closed doors second string run out in midweek indicating that he is also almost ready for a return to action following a lengthy lay-off. It is unlikely that Madine will start however and so Chris O’Grady will be expected to start in attack with Clinton Morrison, Sanchez Watt and Ryan Lowe in contention to partner him.
Charlton completed the signings of defender Leon Cort and striker Danny Haynes during the week and both may feature for the league leaders. Midfielder Dale Stephens is the Addicks only injury absentee while Danny Green, a summer transfer target for Wednesday has found his scoring form in recent games and will be a threat along with the likes of Bradley Wright-Phillips, Yann kermorgant and Johnnie Jackson.
The Owls extended their unbeaten home record by beating Championship side West Ham last weekend and have only lost 1 of their last 12 matches.
Charlton lost to Premier League side Fulham in the F.A. Cup last Saturday but have only lost 2 of their last 14 matches and indeed have only lost twice in League One all season, winning 9 away games.
The two sides drew 1-1 at the Valley early on in the season with Wright-Phillips giving the home side a 1st half lead before the Owls responded in the second half thanks to a Clinton Morrison header.
Charlton have won just 4 times in 22 visits to Hillsborough and have only won once in their last 18 trips to S6, that coming in the F.A. cup in 2006.