Sheffield Wednesday will try to end a three-match winless run when they host Blackpool at Hillsborough on Sunday. The Owls sit ninth with 19 points from 12 matches. Blackpool are 20th with 11 points from 11 games, leaving them just one point above the relegation places.
Wednesday drew 1-1 with Cambridge United in their last league game on 27 October. Mason Burstow put the hosts ahead before Sullay Kaikai equalised for Cambridge. That result followed consecutive 2-0 defeats against Notts County and Doncaster Rovers. Blackpool were beaten 1-4 by Mansfield Town in their most recent league outing, though they returned to winning ways in midweek with a 3-2 EFL Trophy victory over Aston Villa Under-21s.
The Owls will hope to make home advantage count as they look to close the gap on the play-off places, while Blackpool need points to move clear of the bottom four. Recent history in this fixture favours the hosts. The Tangerines have lost their last four meetings with Wednesday and have not won at Hillsborough since November 2012. Both sides also head into the weekend managing several injury concerns, particularly in defence.
Sheffield Wednesday team news
Interim head coach Matt Hamshaw is waiting on the fitness of three defenders ahead of kick-off. Liam Cooper, Di’Shon Bernard and Ricardo Santos are all set to be assessed after missing the draw against Cambridge. Hamshaw called their chances of playing a race against time, although the extra recovery day before Sunday’s match could help. Cooper was rested against Cambridge and has a chance of returning, while Bernard has been managing a hamstring problem and Santos has been troubled by a groin issue.
Cooper might return to the starting lineup alongside Ernie Weaver. Bernard and Santos are both expected to miss out, though their availability will depend on final fitness checks. Reece James and Max Lowe are competing for the left-back spot, with Lowe tipped to get the nod.
Wednesday will be without Jamal Lowe, who is serving the final match of a three-game suspension following his red card against Notts County. Louie Barry is back in training as he recovers from an ankle problem, but Hamshaw does not want to rush him back. George Brown is also expected to miss out, while Jordi Liongola, Jarvis Thornton, Joe Lumley, Cole McGhee and Tyler Onyango remain listed as unavailable. Liongola is close to returning from a long spell out, but this fixture may come too soon.
Burstow is likely to lead the attack again after scoring against Cambridge. Callum Slattery should keep his place in the number 10 role after setting up that goal, while Kieran Morrison is pushing for a spot in the wide positions.
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Blackpool team news
Blackpool are also dealing with several injury problems. Defender Fraser Horsfall is expected to miss the trip after his ankle injury flared up again. He recently returned as a substitute against Aston Villa Under-21s following a long absence, but this setback is likely to keep him out on Sunday.
Midfielder George Honeyman is another confirmed absentee after suffering a recurrence of a calf problem that is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks. CJ Hamilton remains out with a knee injury, while Michael Ihiekwe is still working his way back from an ongoing injury issue.
Niall Ennis is close to returning from a long absence with a foot problem, though his availability for this match remains uncertain. Head coach Ian Evatt is not expected to take unnecessary risks with players who are still building up to full fitness.
There is some encouraging news for the visitors following their midweek cup win. Jerry Yates came off the bench to score from the penalty spot against Aston Villa Under-21s and could return to the starting side. Karoy Anderson is also expected to feature after returning to action, while Josh Bowler and Leighton Clarkson provide further attacking options.
Predicted lineups
Sheffield Wednesday (4-2-3-1)
Maynard-Brewer, Valery, Weaver, Cooper, Lowe, Bannan, Mitchell, Morrison, Slattery, Gray, Burstow
Blackpool (4-1-3-2)
Peacock-Farrell, Williams, Casey, Ashworth, Munroe, Morgan, Bowler, Anderson, Clarkson, Bloxham, Yates
Wednesday’s main selection question is whether Cooper is fit enough to start, while Hamshaw must also choose between James and Lowe at left-back. Blackpool’s defensive options are limited by Horsfall’s absence, making the partnership between Casey and Ashworth particularly important. Although Wednesday hold the stronger league position and a good recent record in this fixture, their injury problems mean the hosts are unlikely to field a settled defence.
Blackpool’s midweek victory may have lifted confidence, yet they will need a much more disciplined performance than the one they produced against Mansfield if they are to leave Hillsborough with a result.
