After enjoying a superb unbeaten run to guide Wednesday to promotion last season, Owls boss Dave Jones is now facing up to a run of three straight defeats and will look to end that when Bolton to come to town this weekend.
Owen Coyle’s men haven’t had the start they’d have liked since relegation from the Premier League and have lost all of their away fixtures so far this campaign, including a 2-1 loss at Birmingham City last time out.
They’ll be out to put that right, and surge towards a spot nearer the top of the table, at S6 on Saturday, but Wednesday too will be desperate for a win to stop their rot.
Vital Quotes:
Owls captain Martin Taylor told the official SWFC website:
“We are all as much aware as the supporters are of the need to get a positive result on the board after three defeats on the bounce so hopefully we can do that on Saturday.
“From my point of view now, I just want to go in and get some motivation into the lads the best I can and have a few words here and there, just doing the normal things that captains do.”
Bolton boss Owen Coyle told the official Bolton website:
“There`s no doubt that Sheffield Wednesday will be disappointed with their recent results and we`ve got to go and try and capitalise on that.
“We need to make sure we start the game well and show our quality and if we do it`s a game we`re convinced we can achieve a positive result in.
“They are a good side with a terrific manager in Dave Jones. He`s bought some new and exciting players into the football club. Martin Taylor has come in from Watford and they`ve got some big strong players. Jay Bothroyd is another very good player who has come in.’
Wednesday Team News:
Expect changes for the Owls following their 3-1 home loss against Huddersfield Town at Hillsborough on Wednesday.
Joe Mattock will definitely be missing after being sent-off in the clash with the Terriers, but Owls boss Dave Jones will hope to have Anthony Gardner back to bolster his defence.
Miguel Llera will also be chomping at the bit for a return to the starting eleven, but Lewis Buxton will again miss out through a hamstring injury.
Jones could also tinker with his attack, with Rodri and Chris O’Grady both undoubtedly pushing for a recall, with starting roles for Jay Bothroyd and Gary Madine under threat.
Player to watch: Martin Taylor
Maybe not the one to watch, but Wednesday’s defence is in desperate need of improvement and Taylor, after being handed the captain’s armband, will be the one trying to make that happen.
Bolton Wanderers Team News:
Bolton could hand a debut to recent loan signing Stephen Warnock in defence, but another loan player in Jay Spearing is expected to miss out through injury.
Stuart Holden, David Wheater and Josh Vela are all long-term absentees for the Lancashire outfit.
Player to watch: Kevin Davies
Wednesday’s defence has been poor this season and Davies will be well aware. A physical threat, Davies will be leading the charge for Wanderers to be in the mix for promotion back to the top flight this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Wednesday: L-L-L-W-W
Bolton: L-W-L-L-D
Head-to-Head:
Wednesday wins: 50
Bolton wins: 36
Draws: 24
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 0-3 Bolton
Hillsborough, 20/01/2001
Wanderers thrashed the Owls last time out. Ricardo Gardner, Michael Ricketts and Ian Marshall grabbed the goals.
Next Fixtures:
v Southampton (A, cup) – 25/9/12
v Wolves (A) – 29/9/12
