Sheffield Wednesday make the long trip to Yeovil on Saturday as they look to build on a run that has seen them collect seven points from their last three league games. Despite getting a good return of points recently the Owls have struggled to find any consistent form and have had to grind out the results. While the result is of paramount importance Wednesday will also hope that they can perform as they are capable of at this level and try to stamp their authority on games more.
Wednesday struggled to see off the challenge of lowly Leyton Orient last weekend and they could be boosted by the return of Giles Coke. The midfielder missed the last game due to a hamstring problem and his inclusion would add fizz and zest to the Owls midfield.
Lewis Buxton performed well in deputising for injured centre back Mark Beevers against Orient and is likely to continue in that role. Winger Jermaine Johnson played for the reserves in midweek and is set to be on the bench.
Manager Alan Irvine must choose which of his misfiring strikers, Mellor, Tudgay, Heffernan and Morrison to go with up front. Tudgay could also be utilised in a wide midfield role.
Yeovil are set to leave Dutch defender Stefan Stam out of the squad as he has been given the opportunity to find a loan club due to his recent lack of first team opportunities. Midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala continues to struggle with injury while front man Dean Bowditch is also a doubt for the fixture.
This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides in the Football League and they have only ever played each other twice in competitive matches. Both games took place in January 1939 in the F.A. Cup with the sides drawing 1-1 in Sheffield with Wednesday going on to win the replay at Yeovil 2-1. Therefore the Owls will be defending a 100% away record against the Glovers.
Recent form has been encouraging for both sides as they have each won their past two league games without conceding a goal. Yeovil have won two, lost two and drawn one at home in League One this season and Wednesday’s away record is identical to this. Although the Owls are in 5th place in the table with their hosts down in 17th, just 3 points separate the two clubs.