Saints Vs Owls: Team news

Last updated : 05 December 2008 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday will be forced into changes from the side that beat Norwich City 3-2 at Hillsborough last Saturday.

On-loan right-back Tony McMahon, who scored against the Canaries, has returned to parent club Middlesbrough and will be replaced by either Lewis Buxton or Frank Simek. Buxton has been playing at left-back recently but Tommy Spurr could return from injury to regain his place while Simek is yet to start this season following a long-term injury layoff.

There will also be at least one change in midfield as club Captain Steve Watson misses out due to a hip injury and is likely to be replaced by Sean McAllister.

The Owls suffered a further set back this week with the news that Jermaine Johnson is set to be out for around a month and so Marcus Tudgay may continue to fill in on the right side of midfield with Etienne Esajas on the left.

In-form Leon Clarke is set to keep his place up front but loan signing Bartosz Slusarski could also be pushing for a starting role with Francis Jeffers struggling to find his scoring touch.

The home side are unbeaten in three matches and have been able to name an unchanged line up during this spell. However, midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is a fitness doubt and so they may be forced into a change with Jason Euell in line for a recall having scored for the reserves in midweek.

The cash strapped Saints have a largely youthful line-up with the likes of Andrew Surman, Bradley Wright-Phillips and on loan Sheffield United man Jordan Robertson expected to pose the main threat to the Owls.

Wednesday travel to St Mary's looking to secure three successive wins for the first time this season. Their poor away record improved with a win at Blackpool in their last away game and they will be hoping to build on this.

The Saints are 7 points behind the Owls in the Championship table and have a shocking home record which has seen them pick up just 1 win from 10 attempts in the league.

They will be looking to address this form against a Wednesday team that has struggled at St Mary's. Since Southampton left the Dell the Owls have visited them on 4 occasions in league and cup, losing three and picking up 1 point in a 0-0 draw last season.