Owls can ill-afford to be stung by Bees

Last updated : 29 March 2011 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday host Brentford at Hillsborough tonight as they look to pull away from trouble near the foot of the League one table. The Owls are currently in 16th place, 4 points above the relegation zone and so a much needed home win would give them some breathing space going into the end of season run in.

Loan recruits Danny Batth, Rob Jones and Joey O’ Brien are expected to make their home debuts while midfielder Isaiah Osbourne could return having missed the weekend draw at Dagenham due to a muscle injury.

Lewis Buxton could return to the starting line-up in defence having made a substitute appearance on Saturday following his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Brentford are likely to still be without influential striker Charlie McDonald due to an ankle injury. Goalkeeper Richard Lee has a shoulder problem and on-loan Leicester full-back Robbie Neilson is also set to miss out after he was stretchered-off during the 2-1 win over Carlisle on Friday evening.

The Owls come into the match without a win in 4 games and they have lost their last 3 at Hillsborough. Brentford have won 3 of their last 4 games and are comfortable in mid-table. They may have one eye on their forthcoming Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final against Carlisle this coming weekend.

Wednesday were beaten 1-0 at Griffin Park in September thanks to a Charlie McDonald goal. In 13 matches between the 2 sides at Hillsborough the Owls have won 4 and lost 3. The last fixture between the two sides at S6 saw Wednesday win 1-0 in the 1st leg of the League One play-off semi-final in 2005.