Wednesday Vs Palace: Team news

Last updated : 21 March 2008 By C. Morris

Wednesday have a major worry up front with Marcus Tudgay struggling to be fir having picked up a knock in training earlier in the week. If Tudgay fails to make it then Enoch Showunmi is likely to fill in after he impressed in midweek, scoring twice for the reserves against Leeds. Ben Sahar is likely to take a place on the bench after recovering from a short spell on the sidelines due to injury and illness.

Long-term injury absentees Steve Watson and Frank Simek have racked up 180 minutes each for the reserves in the last couple of weeks and may join the squad for the first time since recovering from their respective injuries. Both are expected to have to make do with a place on the bench at best as Brian Laws is unlikely to chop and change a side that has been producing good results in recent games. Winger Jermaine Johnson misses out as he serves the final suspension of his 4-game ban following his dismissal in the home defeat to West Brom.

Defender Tony Craig could return for the Eagles having got through a reserve game in midweek and former Birmingham midfielder Neil Danns is also in contention following a spell out of the side.

Full-back Danny Butterfield is likely to remain sidelined due to a thigh injury and there will be no Hillsborough return for former Owls striker Shefki Kuqi. The Fin, who has been sent out on loan, is said to have no future at the club after he insulted fans who criticised his performance in a recent game.

Despite their differing needs for three points from this fixture both teams come into the game in good form with each having suffered just one defeat in their last six games. Wednesday will be looking to overturn the defeat they suffered to Palace at Selhurst Park in December when the Eagles won 2-1 thanks to a last minute goal from youngster Sean Scannell.