Wednesday in need of a win to stay in touch

Last updated : 21 January 2011 By C. Morris

Sheffield Wednesday travel south to Leyton Orient on Saturday in search of a much needed league win having fallen out of the play-off positions in recent weeks. The Owls have slipped to 9th in League One and have collected just 1 point from their last three league games.

Wednesday go into the game with a strong squad to choose from. Only full-back Jon Otsemobor is definitely ruled out due to a thigh injury. Fellow defender Lewis Buxton could make the squad as could midfielder Giles Coke though neither is expected to go into the starting 11 following spells on the side-lines.

There is likely to be a shake- up at the back following the departure of Captain Darren Purse. New signing Mark Reynolds could take his place or possibly come into the side at left-back. Mark Beevers could also come into contention and Michael Morrison could move to the centre from right-back if Buxton is deemed fit to start.

After coming on at half-time to good effect last weekend, winger Jermaine Johnson and striker Paul Heffernan will be a hopeful of places in the starting line-up whilst new striker Gary Madine may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Leyton Orient have been dealt a blow by the news that Adam Chambers will not recover from a hamstring injury in time to face the Owls. The former Wednesday midfielder had a good game at Hillsborough in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and will be missed having featured in 17 of Orients league games this term to date. Right-back Elliot Omozusi will also miss the match due to a similar injury.

Midfielder Jimmy Smith made little impression when on loan with Wednesday from Chelsea during the 2008/09 season but has scored 2 goals in Orients last 3 matches and is set to feature against the Owls.   

Having not won any of their last three league games the Owls must improve sooner rather than later if they are to sustain a promotion challenge. Wednesday’s away games usually produce a winner one way or the other as they have drawn just once on their travels in 11 matches this season, winning 4 and losing 6.

Leyton Orient have only played 9 times at home in the league so far this season due to postponements, winning 5 and losing 2 of these fixtures. They are unbeaten in the league on home soil since September and have only lost 1 of their last 12 fixtures in all competitions.

Wednesday recorded a hard-earned 1-0 win over Orient back in October thanks to a second half headed goal by Lewis Buxton. The Owls will be looking to even up their record in away games at Orient having won 5, lost 6 and drawn 6 previously.