Owls can ill afford to take a TV mauling from Tigers

Last updated : 25 February 2016 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday make the short trip east to face title chasing Hull City on Friday night as they look to get their play-off hopes back on track after a recent dip in form.

The Owls will welcome Fernando Forestieri back to the side after he missed Tuesday's draw with QPR due to suspension. Sam Hutchinson could also return in defence or a holding midfield role if Carlos Carvalhal opts to add some steel in the centre of the park.

Hull have no fresh injury or suspension issues to concern them but they are in the midst of a busy run of fixtures in league and cup and so Steve Bruce has the option to make changes should he wish to do so. The likes of Tom Huddlestone, Shaun Maloney, Chuba Akpom, Nick Powell and Ahmed Elmohamady are all options available to the City manager.

Wednesday are without a win in 2 having suffered defeat at Preston last weekend followed by a home draw against QPR and they need to improve on a Championship away record of just 4 wins from 16 matches.

Hull have won 6 of their last 8 games and their only home defeat to date was back in November against Derby. The Tigers have only conceded 6 goals in 15 home matches, scoring 30 times themselves.

The 2 sides drew 1-1 at Hillsborough in October and on the 5 occasions that the Owls have visited the KC Stadium since Hull moved there they have won twice and been beaten 3 times.