Owls Vs Rangers: Team news

Last updated : 06 November 2009 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday take on high flying QPR at Hillsborough on Saturday and could have a number of extra options available having had to bring youth team players into the squad last weekend.

Several players that suffered from a virus last week are thought to have recovered and are fit for selection but may struggle to regain their places after the team earned a creditable draw at Bristol City last Saturday.

The 1-1 draw at Ashton Gate saw Frank Simek return at right-back with Richard Hinds coming in at centre half to be partnered by Lewis Buxton, who switched from right-back.
The solid defensive performance against a side with a good home record means that even if Mark Beevers and much maligned captain Darren Purse are passed fit they may not find a place in the starting 11.

Wednesday went with a 4-3-3 formation last weekend but may revert back to 4-4-2 for this home fixture.
Michael Gray is not expected to be rushed back from injury before the international break so a place in wide midfield is up for grabs with Tommy Miller, Sean McAllister and Etienne Esajas all possibilities.

Luke Varney is expected to continue in attack alongside Marcus Tudgay as the two linked up well last week which leaves Leon Clarke, Francis Jeffers and Akpo Sodje vying for places on the bench.

The visitors come to Hillsborough currently occupying a top six place and are in a fine run of form.

The wealthy Londoners are blessed with a large squad by Championship terms which means that they are able to cover for the loss of a number of players sidelined by injury.
Captain Martin Rowlands and winger Lee Cook have knee injuries whilst Alessandro Pellicori, Matthew Connolly and Angelo Balanta will also miss out.

They could however be boosted by the return of midfielder Gavin Mahon and defender Damion Stewart.
The Owls are likely to have to contend with in form on loan Tottenham forward Adel Taarabt and one time transfer target Jay Simpson who is on loan from Arsenal.

Wednesday go into the game having halted a run of back to back defeats with the draw at Ashton Gate and find themselves in 14th place in the Coca Cola Championship, 7 points behind 6th placed QPR and just 3 ahead of 20th placed Derby County.
QPR have not won in their last two outings but prior to that they won 4 out of 6 including a 4-2 win at Derby in their last away match.

The Owls have a good recent record against QPR having won the last three encounters at Hillsborough. The 3-2 defeat that Wednesday suffered at Loftus Road towards the end of last season is their only defeat in 8 fixtures against Rangers since returning to the Championship in 2005.