Wednesday will face their toughest test since the turn of the year this weekend when they travel to high-flying Burnley.
The Clarets sit second in the Championship and will eye automatic promotion to the Premier League – an aim they can boost with three points against a resurgent Owls side.
The Owls are unbeaten in six matches, however, and will make the trip across the Pennines in good spirits thanks to their improved form and the fact they’ve scored ten goals in their last two matches.
Burnley Team News:
Burnley were knocked out of the FA Cup at Southampton but they’ve been in promotion-pushing form in the league, sitting second in the table going into the match.
The Clarets could field the same starting eleven that saw off Yeovil Town last night although defender Ben Mee could return from a thigh injury and be included in the squad.
Long-term injury absentee Ross Wallace could also play a part after recovering from a knee injury that’s kept him sidelined since August, while new signing Ashley Barnes is available for selection.
Player to watch: Danny Ings
Ings has enjoyed a superb season for Burnley and notched his 21st goal of the season at Yeovil. He’ll be the Clarets’ biggest goal threat and will be eager to extend his top form in front of goal by downing the Owls.
Wednesday Team News:
Owls’ caretaker boss Stuart Gray is set to make changes to the side that beat Macclesfield Town 4-1 in the FA Cup replay in midweek.
Connor Wickham will be available for selection again and is set to return straight to the starting eleven, while Caolan Lavery is also eligible after netting twice in the 6-0 thumping of Leeds United last weekend.
Chris Kirkland is expected to return in goal after Damian Martinez played in week, meaning Gray could opt for the same starting eleven that did so well against their Yorkshire rivals last weekend.
Player to watch: Connor Wickham
The Sunderland loan man was absent in midweek as part of his loan arrangement but will return against Burnley and will be desperate to get back in the goals.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Burnley: W-L-W-D-L
Wednesday: W-W-D-W-D
Head-to-Head:
Burnley wins: 42
Wednesday wins: 38
Draws: 18
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 1-2 Burnley
Hillsborough, 10/8/13
The Clarets edged Wednesday out back in August to take all three points at Hillsborough. Danny Ings and Sam Vokes scored to give the visitors a comfortable 2-0 half-time lead and David Prutton’s second-half strike was not enough to see Wednesday get anything to show for their efforts.
Next Fixtures:
v Rochdale (A, FA Cup) – 25/1/14
