Sheffield Wednesday go up against Preston North End in their final fixture of 2023 tonight.
Sheffield Wednesday travel to Preston North End this evening, in what is a tricky end to a turbulent year for the Owls.
There’s been plenty of highs and lows for Wednesday in 2023, but right now the club are on a low with back-to-back defeats reopening the gap to safety to nine points.
Danny Rohl saw his side lose 2-0 at Coventry City on Boxing Day, coming after a disappointing comeback defeat against Cardiff City at Hillsborough.
Preston meanwhile beat Leeds United on Boxing Day and currently sit in 9th place of the Championship table.
Sheffield Wednesday team news ahead of Preston North End
The defeat at Coventry City saw centre-back Bambo Diaby pick up a straight red card after the full-time whistle, and so he’s suspended for the next three games.
And the Owls also look set to be without Callum Paterson due to concussion protocols after the Scot was forced of against Coventry with a head injury.
Diaby and Paterson join the likes of Juan Delgado, Mallik Wilks, and Dominic Iorfa on the sidelines; both Josh Windass and Michael Smith have missed the last four and remain potential doubts for this one.
Momo Diaby appears to be on the mend but remains unregistered.
How will Danny Rohl line up against Preston?
Diaby’s absence certaily gievs Rohl some decisions to make.
Michael Ihiekwe seems like the next centre-back in line but he’s barely played under Rohl, and he failed to impress in his last start vs Norwich City.
That could see Akin Famewo come into the middle with Marvin Johnson starting at left-back rather than left-wing.
Rohl could start the 20-year-old Djeidi Gassama in attack in place of Johnson, with youngster Joey Phuthi someone that Rohl can bring off the bench to add some energy; the 18-year-old made his debut against Coventry.
Here’s how we think Sheffield Wednesday will line up against Preston North End…
Dawson (GK)
Johnson
Famewo
Bernard
Palmer
Bannan
Vaulks
Byers
Gassama
Cadamarteri
Musaba