The eagerly-awaited clash with The Tigers sees Peter Taylor's promoted team up against Wednesday who are going through a bit of a sour run at the moment.
Whelan who was controversially sent off against Oldham is back in contention to bolster the midfield and admits that with a bit of luck, The Owls can join Hull in sealing promotion.
He told Footymad: "I think we can still be playing in the championship next season: we are currently fifth and a few teams around us need wins but we just need that win against Hull. It’s going to be hard, no doubt about it and it will go down to the last game of the season but we are always up for the challenge and hopefully we will be up there.
"We went on a great run, we lost once in 18 games and we did very well but we are sort of out of form at the moment but we are back in the play-offs now, even though we only drew against Stockport but hopefully we can get a win so things can get back to normal."
Whelan missed the horror show up at Hartlepool and after assessing that game during last week, he did see some positives and is looking forward to getting back into the first-team fold.
He added: "We watched the Hartlepool video back recently and to be fair, we were beaten 3-0 and perhaps that flattered them a bit but we need to get our heads down now, get something against Hull. Everything is in our hands at the moment regarding our position in the play-offs, we just need the win.
"I am really looking forward to Saturday. It’s not always the best when you are just training and not playing so the sooner Hull comes around the better. I’m not very good at watching games at the best of times when I am not involved, especially when I am fully fit and it does get on your nerves because you want to be out there playing and winning games but hopefully I will play a part on Saturday."
The Dubliner has settled in at Hillsborough well since his summer move from Manchester City and his game is now reaping the rewards of a consistent season playing more or less every week.
"I have really enjoyed this season," he said, "especially when we are doing well as that makes all the difference sometimes but I came here to Wednesday to get some first-team football and that’s what I have done so far so hopefully my form will just keep picking up.
"Things have also gone ok international wise. I got the player’s player of the year for the (Republic of Ireland) Under-21 team and we have also had some decent results. So playing well for Sheffield Wednesday has certainly strengthened my international game so I am delighted to be doing well here."