Sean McAuley takes charge of the Owls for the very first time, and he’ll be looking for three vital points against a Swansea City side flying high despite a slow start to the season.
McAuley, taking over following the departure of Brian Laws last weekend, enjoyed a good run as caretaker manager last time out, going unbeaten, and he’ll be hoping for more of the same this time.
Swansea will be no pushovers though, and will be determined to spoil any hopes of a Wednesday victory as the festive season kicks-off.
Vital Quotes:
Sean McAuley told the official SWFC website:
‘My first week has gone really well, obviously the first priority was to talk to the players and, judging from the response we’ve had in training, I’d say there is a positive mindset towards Saturday’s game.
‘The changes I make will hopefully bring about a good performance. We need to have a belief, you look at teams like West Brom and they always believe they can get something out of the game. I want us to have that belief.’
Wednesday Team News:
Wednesday could well see a whole host of changes as McAuley looked to push the Owls out of the relegation spots with three points against the Welsh side.
Players such as Michael Gray, Richard Hinds, Etienne Esajas, Tom Soares and Warren Feeney will all be pushing for a place in the starting line-up after settling for a spot on the bench last time out.
Luke Varney could be one player likely to return to the starting line-up.
McAuley could also tinker with the formation too, with Laws mixing between a 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 line-up in his last few matches at the club.
Player to watch: Sean McAuley
Cheating a bit this week in that it’s not a player – but all eyes will be on Sean McAuley and the tactics he uses/changes he makes to the team as Wednesday look for a much-needed win against the Swans. Sean McAuley’s Barmy Army?
Swansea City Team News:
Swansea will have a double boost going into the game with Tom Butler and Stephen Dobbie both set to return to the squad for the trip to Hillsborough this weekend.
Butler has missed the last two games with a knee injury, while Dobbie has been out with an ankle injury, but proved his fitness with a full outing in the reserve team match in midweek.
Former Owls Garry Monk won’t win his race for fitness ahead of the clash, and Paulo Sousa will also be without Mark Gower for the trip to S6.
Sousa has no fresh injury or suspension concerns though, as the Swans look to get back to winning ways following last weekend’s defeat to Nottingham Fortest
Player to watch: Nathan Dyer
Wing wizard Dyer has caused havoc to many Championship defences this season, and will be looking to cause the Owls full-backs plenty of problems on Saturday. The tricky winger is fast, has plenty of skill, and a sharp eye for goal.
Match Facts & Stats
Head-to-Head:
Wednesday wins: 12
Swansea wins: 4
Draws: 9
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 0-0 Swansea
Hillsborough, 21/03/09
A bore draw greeted Wednesdayites the last time Swansea came to town, and Owls fans won;t be wanting the same this time around.
Form:
Wednesday: L-L-L-L-D
Swansea: L-W-D-L-W
Next Fixtures:
v Newcastle United (H) – 26/12/09
v Blackpool (A) – 28/12/09
