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The Visitors – Sheffield Wednesday

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Could this be classed as the first ‘six pointer’ of the season? Sheffield Wednesday arrive at St. Andrew’s hoping to do the double over Blues. Blues, on the other hand, will be looking to avenge the 3-0 drubbing at Hillsborough on Boxing Day.

CURRENT FORM

Both sides sit on 47 points, with Wednesday above Blues on goal difference. Gary Rowett’s men have won a solitary game more (13) than the visitors but have also lost on two more occasions. Ironically, Blues’ last league defeat was at the hands of Wednesday, their only defeat in ten Championship outings.

The Owls, under the stewardship of Carlos Carvalhal, have suffered only one defeat from their last eight league games, including drawing their last two. However, they were victims of an FA Cup shock when they were knocked out by Shrewsbury Town, losing, 3-2.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Carvalhal has drilled fast attacking football into his troops. The Owls are the third highest scoring team in the league after Burnley and Middlesbrough and have scored six more goals than Blues. Their forward line boasts Fernando Forestieri who has 11 goals to his name and Gary Hooper who has scored six in 13 appearances since joining from Norwich – Aiden McGeady is expected to be handed a debut.

They will be backed by an expectant sell-out 3,100 away fans.

TORAL, FABBRINI AND MAGHOMA…

A player of Jon Toral’s quality is obviously a big loss. But when Diego Fabbrini is the alternative, the blow is cushioned somewhat. Fabbrini will be chomping at the bit to make his second St. Andrew’s bow and the Blues fans will want to welcome him back with open arms.

And of course, Jacques Maghoma will want to prove a point against his former employers. Their fans labelled him ‘lazy’ when he left the club, but Blues fans have seen completely the opposite. Let’s hope Mags can show the talent he has displayed all season thus far.

THOUGHTS FROM VITAL SHEFF WED

However much Carvalhal has fulfilled his bit of this magical mystery mix, and whether the owners really could ‘see` this when they hired him, right now he`s getting it just about right. Wednesday are well placed for the playoffs and have strengthened with the permanent signing of Gary ‘Maybe not good enough for the Prem but plenty good enough for The Championship’ Hooper.

His team seem to know what they`re doing, have a decent level of consistency for their league position (seriously, would you rather be a Derby fan right now?) and have got enough fans believing that, as the song goes, ‘we`re on our way back.’ – Martin Wood – sheffwed.vitalfootball.co.uk

THE FANS VIEWS

@owlizee – I don’t care if Maghoma scores a hat trick against us. I still believe we were right to let him go. #SWFC #NewEra

@M4rtyFunkhouser – referee that had an absolute shocker in #sheffwed #lufc match last week, rewarded with reffing a premier league match this week.

@dan_N_smith – 3100 wednesdyites singing depeche mode when Hooper scores tomorrow! #swfc

Article written by Rob Wildey – @robwildey123

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