Sheff Wed v Sheff Utd preview

Last updated : 17 April 2010 By BBC Sport

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Tommy Miller is out with a calf injury, but Lewis Buxton and Sean McAllister could be included in the squad. Buxton has been battling to overcome a hamstring problem, while McAllister is hoping to return following a recent stomach muscle strain.

Sheffield United are still without forwards Ched Evans (broken collarbone) and Jamie Ward (hamstring).

Defender Toni Kallio has a calf injury and is also still sidelined.

MATCH PREVIEW

Sheffield Wednesday go into the 125th Steel City derby with more than local pride at stake - their Championship status is also hanging by a thread.

In the relegation zone and without a win in four matches, the Owls are in serious danger of dropping back into the third tier after five seasons in the Championship.

Wednesday's problems in front of goal have been a major reason for their struggle. They have failed to score in 18 league matches this season - more than any other team in the division.

A victory would be a massive boost for Alan Irvine's side, and would also kill off any lingering hopes rivals Sheffield United, who are 10th, may have of sneaking into the play-offs.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• United have won 45 and Wednesday 41 of the previous 124 Sheffield derbies.

day, who beat the Blades home and away last season, are chasing a third successive victory over them at Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday

• Wednesday have lost their last two matches 1-0 (home to Bristol City and away to Middlesbrough), and have conceded one goal in each of their last five games.

• Defeat would see United become the fifth team this season to complete a league double over Wednesday. West Brom, Middlesbrough, Reading and Doncaster have already beaten the Owls both home and away.

Sheffield United

• United are without a win in 11 away matches.

• The Blades have scored more than one goal in only one of their last 10 matches.

• Richard Cresswell and Derek Geary could play against their former club.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Sheff Utd 3-2 Sheff Wed (18 September 2009)

United scorers: Ward 7, Henderson 15, Buxton (og) 42.

Wednesday scorers: Tudgay 46, Esajas 65.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport