Wednesday boss Gary Megson has called on his troops to get a winning mentality going on home soil as the Owls aim for a third win at Hillsborough on the spin.
Wednesday still need points to make their League One status completely secure and will aim for more success when Hartlepool United are the visitors to S6.
When the sides last met the Owls thumped the Victoria Park club 5-0 earlier in the season – and looked on course for promotion.
Things have drastically changed since then but a good end to the season will leave Wednesdayites with higher hopes of a better season next term.
Vital Quotes:
Owls boss Gary Megson told the official SWFC website:
‘We want to win as much as we can, we want to play the best football that we can but we have got to get a mentality at this football club that it’s about one thing and that is winning games.
‘Being difficult to beat is great, scoring from set pieces is great and not conceding is great. We want to have as many strings to our bow as we possibly can but the attitude when the players go out there has got to be about looking to win.
‘The optimum word is win and we have to have winners at this football club.’
Pools manager Mick Wadsworth told the official club website:
“I’m not sure revenge is the right word but there is an enormous amount of pride involved for us.
“Sheffield Wednesday are one of the team just below us though and that gives us a great incentive to win the game – to keep them there and increase the gap.
“We’ve got to want to go on and play well for the rest of the season and I think now this could be a big test of personality and character.
Wednesday Team News:
Wednesday picked up no fresh injury or suspension concerns following the 2-0 loss at Brighton at the weekend, but the Owls boss could opt to make changes to his side.
On-loan centre-back Rob Jones could come back into the starting eleven after missing out the last few games after sustaining concussion.
Gary Madine will also be chomping at the bit for a return after being used as a substitute last weekend. Madine is likely to replace Clinton Morrison in the Owls attack and partner the in-form Neil Mellor.
Giles Coke, Darren Potter and Gary Teale will also be hoping for a return to the Owls midfield for the visit of Pools.
Player to watch: Neil Mellor
Mellor has been in good form on home soil recently, being key in both victories against Colchester United and Tranmere Rovers respectively. He’s netted three goals in the last two home games and will be looking to get back on the scoresheet this weekend.
Hartlepool United Team News:
Hartlepool may have little else but pride to play for between now and the end of the season, but boss Mick Wadsworth insists his players will be playing for their futures at the club, starting at Hillsborough on Saturday.
Neil Austin is back in contention for Pools following a calf injury, but Saturday could come too soon to go straight back into their starting eleven.
Strike James Brown has also returned to training following an injury lay-off but may have to make do with a place on the bench as he returns to full fitness.
Player to watch: Adam Boyd
The striker scored in Hartlepool’s 3-1 victory over Yeovil and will look to continue the goals at Hillsborough.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Wednesday: L-W-W-L-D
Hartlepool: L-D-L-L-L
Head-To-Head:
Wednesday wins: 7
Hartlepool wins: 1
Draws: 3
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 4-1 Hartlepool
Hillsborough, 10/11/10 (JP Trophy)
Wednesday had already thrashed Pools 5-0 in the league but they continued their freescoring form with a 4-1 win in the JP Trophy at Hillsborough. Neil Mellor bagged a hat-trick for the Owls and Gary Teale also netted. Fabian Yantorno replied for the visitors.
Next Fixtures:
v Walsall (A) – 23/04/11
