Charlton Athletic are the only thing standing between Wednesday and a date with neighbours Sheffield United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The Addicks will visit Hillsborough on Monday night for a rearranged Fifth Round clash after the original fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in S6.
Now the sides know their opponents should they progress and for the Owls it would mean a thrilling derby against their biggest rivals – with a trip to Wembley in the semi-finals the prize for the winner of that tie.
The only thing is, Chris Powell’s side will be looking to put their poor Championship form behind them to upset the Sheffield party.
Vital Quotes:
Owls boss Stuart Gray told the Sheffield Star:
“We`ll have a right good go. But there are 11 Charlton players who are going to try to make a difference.
“Really, I don`t need any team talk. My only team talk is to the supporters – come and make it an unbelievable atmosphere. Get the players going and we`ll run ourselves into the ground.”
Charlton manager Chris Powell told the Daily Star:
“For years we have been nowhere in this cup.
“There is no way we will be taking it lightly. We have the chance to get into the last eight, or even last four.
“We are still talking about the cup at the end of February, which us rare for us, and I want us still be talking about it at the end of March.”
Wednesday Team News:
Wednesday are expected to be without winger Michail Antonio after the former Reading man sprained his ankle in Saturday’s victory at Huddersfield Town. Antonio was replaced at half-time by Chris Maguire, who could start from the off against there Addicks.
Owls boss Stuart Gray will also be without the injured Jose Semedo and Kieran Lee, meaning Sam Hutchinson and Gary Gardner could continue in the Wednesday midfield. Both players are on-loan but are eligible for cup appearances.
Gray could also make some changes with the match coming just two days after the victory at Huddersfield. Leon Best was limited to a substitute appearance at the weekend and could return to the starting eleven, with Atdhe Nuhiu the player most likely to drop to the bench.
Goalkeeper Damian Martinez has been preferred to Chris Kirkland in cup matches so far this season but Gray could opt for the latter to keep his place given the importance of this fixture.
Player to watch: Sam Hutchinson
Hutchinson is set to make his Hillsborough debut as a starter and his role in the Owls’ midfielder will be crucial. The Chelsea loan man has impressed so far and is eligible to play in the cup. He’ll be keen to impress and help the Owls into the last eight.
Charlton Athletic Team News:
The Addicks have been struggling in the Championship and occupy a relegation spot coming into the cup clash, but will be buoyed by an impressive home win against QPR at the weekend.
Chris Powell and his men made the trip up to Sheffield immediately after that victory but they could be without Rhoys Wiggins, who may not be risked due to a hamstring problem.
The Londoners signed former Owl Marcus Tudgay last Friday and he was on the bench at the weekend, but will not be able to play at Hillsborough. Another former Owl in Michael Morrison is expected to start, however, and Richard Wood should also be in the match day squad.
Player to watch: Johnnie Jackson
Jackson netted the Addicks’ last-gasp winner against QPR at the weekend and he’ll be out to do similar damage to the Owls on Monday night. A threat from set-pieces and long-range shots, Jackson will be key for Charlton.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Wednesday: W-L-L-W-W
Charlton: W-L-L-L-W
Head-to-Head:
Wednesday wins: 20
Charlton: 17
Draws: 13
Last Time Out:
Charlton 1-1 Wednesday
The Valley, 29/12/13
A 1-1 draw was the outcome at the end of 2013 when the sides met in the Championship at The Valley. Dale Stephens gave the Addicks the lead early in the second half before Connor Wickham ensured a point for the Owls.
Next Fixtures:
v Middlesbrough (H) – 1/3/14
