Tough test for Owls at improving Villa

Last updated : 03 November 2017 By C. Morris

Aston Villa Vs Sheffield Wednesday: Team news & preview

Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to go into the international break on a high this weekend but face a tough ask to get any points from an Aston Villa side that are showing signs of living up to their promotion favourites billing.

Carlos Carvalhal chose to freshen his side up with 5 changes in midweek and that paid dividends as the Owls enjoyed a 2-1 home win against Millwall. Now he must decide whether to stick with the winning side or consider his options with the likes of Kieran Lee, Jack Hunt, and Steven Fletcher available.

Villa could welcome back key striker Jonathan Kodija. He faces a late assessment of his fitness having missed the last match with an ankle injury. Attacking midfielder Jack Grealish has been in good form for the academy team and will hope to be in contention to feature while Robert Snodgrass will be assessed after picking up a knock in midweek. Former Owls favourite Glenn Whelan is likely to start in midfield but striker Gaby Agbonlahor, who had a brief loan spell at Hillsborough as a youngster, is carrying a calf injury.

Wednesday have only won 1 of their last 4 matches and only have 1 win away from Hillsborough so far this season. Villa have won 4 of their last 6 games and have not lost at Villa Park yet during this campaign. The Owls enjoyed a 1-0 win against Villa on the opening day of last season but were comfortably beaten 2-0 in the return fixture at Villa Park.