Talking to the opposition – Sheffield Wednesday

In a one off special, I posed a few questions to Vital Sheffield Wednesday writer Tom Sellers about the clash between Birmingham City and the Owls this weekend.

The Wednesday fan came back with some very interesting points which can be found down below.

The same questions were asked to myself by Vital Wednesday editor Ed Jepson and my talking points can be found on our Twitter page or on their own website.

1 – What are your thoughts ahead of the upcoming match with Birmingham City?

For me, this is a crucial game for Wednesday. After a patchy start to the season (losses to Leeds and Burton Albion, as well as being knocked out of the EFL Cup), we seemed to have recovered, with seven points from the last three and three good comeback stories in each game, a trip away to a side who will be top half come May is what is needed to test how far we have come since our 1-0 win over Aston Villa on the opening day.

I`m an admirer of Gary Rowett`s passion and desire, and the way he conveys that to his side, I am expecting a full-blooded and passionate contest? I`m looking forward to the game!

2 – It’s still early, so how do you expect your season to go?

I think “promotion” is the target for most Wednesday fans, one way or another.

Personally, after the great season but disappointing finale last time out, I would love to see us go one better! So Wednesday would have to make the top six to be in that promotion mix, and I`d hope we`ll be up there come May.

We have however improved on the squad over the summer, bringing in the likes of Steven Fletcher, Almen Abdi, and Adam Reach. However, like I said earlier, it hasn`t been the greatest of starts, but if we can get a few runs going throughout the season, keep Hillsborough as a fortress (only three home losses under Carvalhal), and improve upon our away record, we should be there or thereabouts.

3 – Who should the Blues fans be on the lookout for in your team?

I think Fernando Forestieri is the easy shout. If he turns up, the opposition defence tends to know about it. However, there are many players to keep an eye on.

Keiren Westwood is as good of a ‘keeper as any in our division, the same could be said for Tom Lees, a solid and consistent centre-half.

Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee run our show from the centre of the park, and we`ve got a new hitman in Fletcher, who has scored in his last two games, has constantly looked a threat (especially in the air), and links very well with teammates.

Not to forget our new transfer record-breaking and deadline day signing, Adam Reach, who made his full home debut on Tuesday evening.

4 – What Birmingham player do you think your fans should be on the lookout for?

Maikel Kieftenbeld is a good-quality player in the middle of the park, I remember him being unusually quiet in his Boxing Day trip to Hillsborough last year, but I like what I have seen of him on other occasions.

He will make a good match-up to Lee and Bannan, but could also act as that player to keep tabs on Forestieri if he drops inside.

Diego Fabbrini is another decent player in this Birmingham side, players like that seem to be a rare breed, however, he could cause Wednesday some damage if our back-line isn`t at its best.

Sticking with the forward line, I was impressed with the loan capture of Lukas Jutkiewicz, a striker capable of scoring plenty in this tier.

Other names that catch my eye with Sheffield links are Jacques Maghoma and Rhoys Wiggins, both former Wednesday players, as well as ex-Blade and highly-rated Che Adams.

Heard many things about him, but since I don`t pay attention to Sheffield United and grassroots football, I`m unsure what to expect.

5 – What are you expecting from the match and what’s your score prediction?

This is a tough one. It should be a cracker of match, which I hope Wednesday can take all three points back to Sheffield, even if it is a “smash and grab” result.

Just like we did last year at St. Andrews, I`ll go 2-1 to the Owls. Best of luck, and may the best team win!

I’d like to thank the guys at Vital Sheffield Wednesday for answering the questions and like Tom says, may the best team win!