Sheffield Wednesday host Blackpool after drawing with Cambridge United on Tuesday night. It will be Matt Hamshaw’s second, and potentially last, game in charge of the Owls.
Wednesday showed signs of improvement against the U’s, but Hamshaw will likely want to see his side take all three points against a struggling Blackpool side on Sunday.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, MH spoke about getting fans behind the team and starting fast:
“The important thing is that we start on the front foot. The start is so important; we have an amazing fanbase, 30k plus every game so far, and we need to give them something to get behind from the start.”
MH💬: (On Tuesday) "I felt we started too slow, too passive, we needed to move the ball quicker but after that, we were more creative, played through the lines and that's what we want to see.
"The important thing is that we start on the front foot. The start is so important, we… pic.twitter.com/mBjaa15Rdk
With Hamshaw’s intent outlined, we look at the latest Sheffield Wednesday team news, our predicted 11 and scoreline against Blackpool.
Sheffield Wednesday Team News
Speaking after the game against the U’s, Hamshaw confirmed that Jordi Liongola is getting closer to playing, but was unsure whether this Sunday would be too soon. MH told The Star:
“He’s having limited minutes in training, so hopefully we might see him soon. Whether it’s going to be Sunday or not, [we’ll have to wait and see].”
He also went on to say fans should expect to see several other injured players return in the coming weeks, saying:
“But I would think in the coming games, the coming weeks, you’re going to see a lot of these players back.”
On talented forward Louie Barry, the temporary Wednesday boss said he’s in a similar position to Liongola, while explaining everyone can’t wait to him and others back:
“He’s another one who’s had limited minutes. We all saw what Louie can do.
“He’s a big miss for us, and we can’t wait to have him back. I think that the players that we’re talking about will have an instant impact, and we can’t wait to have them back.”
The back four did well against Cambridge and were unlucky to be caught on the break for their goal. If Liam Cooper is fit, he could come in alongside Max Lowe at centre half, or Lowe moves out to left back with Coops partnering Ernie Weaver. But it would be harsh to drop Reece James, who was great on Tuesday.
In the middle of the park we’ve gone for Billy Mitchell and Jaden Heskey. It’s a combination that offers defensive stability and ball-carrying ability, but still plenty of quality on the ball to start attacks. Barry Bannan hasn’t been bad, but managing his minutes is the best long-term decision.
As much as Kieran Morrison deserves to start, he just doesn’t get picked from the start at the moment. Harry Gray will likely carry on from the right, with Davis Keillor-Dunn and Callum Slattery alternating and playing narrow from the left. Their narrowness gives James plenty of space to run into and deliver balls for Burstow.
Hamshaw’s comments in his pre-match press conference suggest Mason Burstow will continue up top for the Owls. Hamshaw said:
“Mason had been carrying a little injury and been left out of squads on occasion.
“But the other night he looked much more like himself, he took his goal really well, and you could see his confidence grow. Let’s hope he can get another on Sunday.”
MH💬: "Mason had been carrying a little injury and been left out of squads on occasion..
"But the other night he looked much more like himself, he took his goal really well and you could see his confidence grow. Let's hope he can get another on Sunday." pic.twitter.com/MZTd9bUY8e
With Jamal Lowe still suspended and Ali Al-Hamadi struggling to find any form, it’s another chance for Burstow to cement himself as the starting attacker.
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