Owls Vs Eagles: Team news

Last updated : 20 February 2009 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday host Crystal Palace on Saturday on the back of two disappointing local derby defeats.

The Owls will be without defender Lewis Buxton who misses out through suspension so the expected return of Mark Beevers is a timely one. Richard Hinds was one of very few bright notes on a disappointing night against Barnsley in the week and should keep his place in the side.

Frank Simek could make a return to the squad and it would be a boost to have him on the bench with a number of the Owls back four carrying niggling knocks.

There could be changes elsewhere in the side with Francis Jeffers pushing for a start in attack and Sean McAllister in contention for a midfield berth. James O'Connor has been struggling to find his best form of late and could make way.

The visitors, led by Neil Warnock, a man many Wednesday fans love to hate due to his Sheffield United allegiances, could welcome creative midfielder Nick Carle back to the team after he sat out the midweek victory at Plymouth through suspension.

Former Sheffield United winger Paul Ifill is struggling to be fit for the Hillsborough clash having picked up an injury at Plymouth.

Defender Patrick McCarthy could miss out due to a shoulder injury but Claude Davis is available having signed a loan extension. The Eagles will be without the services of experienced midfielder Carl Fletcher who has just joined Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle on loan.

Wednesday will be looking to pick up their first points since winning the Sheffield derby whilst Palace had lost 3 successive league games prior to the midweek victory over Plymouth.

The Eagles, who have won five away games in the league this season are one point above the Owls in the table but have played three games less.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park in November whilst in their past five meetings at S6 there have been 3 draws and one win apiece.