WEDNESDAY will aim for a magnificent seven home wins on the spin on Saturday, and a possible chance to top the npower League One table, when Colchester United visit Hillsborough.
Gary Megson’s men have proved unbeatable at home so far in the league this season, winning all six of their contests on home soil.
Their form, including a recent upturn in fortunes on their travels, too, has put them in third going into the weekend and a win, coupled with results going for them elsewhere, could see Wednesday top the the table.
Vital Quotes:
U’s boss John Ward spoke to the club’s official site about his side’s injury and suspension concerns, saying:
‘It’s a problem, but problems are there to be solved and not to be worried about.
‘We finished the game with a defence full of full backs last week and they dealt with it, so we know that we can deal with what is thrown at us and we will go to Sheffield Wednesday and give it a real good go at winning the match.’
Wednesday Team News:
It’s like to be a case of ‘more of the same’ for Owls boss Gary Megson and his starting eleven for the visit of Colchester this weekend.
Wednesday showed plenty of team spirit and ‘never-say-die’ attitude to come from behind and draw 2-2 in the Sheffield derby at Bramall Lane last weekend.
Winger Jermaine Johnson did help change the game with his second half introduction to replace James O’Connor, and could be one possible change, but it’s likely that Megson will opt for the more defence-minded O’Connor.
One player who could return to the squad is striker Ryan Lowe. Lowe has endured an injury-hit start to his Owls career following his move from Bury earlier this season but has returned to full training this week and is expected to be in the squad of 16.
Player to watch: Gary Madine
Madine netted his eleventh goal of the npower League One season at Bramall Lane last weekend and he’ll be eager to maintain his goalscoring momentum back in front of his home fans against the U’s.
Colchester United Team News:
Although boss John Ward is playing down his side’s defensive problems at the moment, injuries to centre-backs mean the U’s will travel to Yorkshire with a mini injury-crisis in their back line.
Pat Baldwin is already ruled out with a toe injury, and Matt Heath will have a late fitness test after suffering an ankle problem. Adding to their woes, Magnus Okuonghae will sit out through suspension.
Tom Eastman has since been recalled from his loan spell at Crawley Town and he could feature at Hillsborough.
The U’s could be boosted with the return of fit again Ashley Vincent. Vincent suffered a knee injury in August but returned to play 90 minutes in a reserve match in midweek, also finding the back of the net.
Player to watch: Kayodi Odejayi
The former Barnsley striker found the back of the net in Colchester’s 2-2 draw at Rochdale last weekend and he’ll be keen to do the same against his former rivals. The powerful front man has netted four goals in all competitions this term.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Wednesday: D-W-W-W-W
Colchester: D-D-W-W-L
Head-To-Head:
Wednesday wins: 5
Colchester wins: 8
Draws: 5
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 2-1 Colchester
Hillsborough, 2/4/11
Goals from Neil Mellor either side of half-time gave the Owls victory last time the sides met. Steven Gillespie hit a late consolation but it was too little, too late for the U’s.
Next Fixtures:
v Carlisle United (A) – 25/10/11
v Wycombe Wanderers (A) – 29/11/10
