Sheffield Wednesday registered a crucial win against Hull City on Tuesday night, but it came at a big cost ahead of the weekend’s game with Derby County.
After a disappointing draw against Cardiff City last weekend, Sheffield Wednesday travelled to the MKM Stadium and put things right with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Hull.
Goals from Josh Windass and Michael Smith sealed all three points for Danny Rohl’s side in a night of dominance, and a game they probably should have scored even more in.
But, while the well-earned result puts the Owls in a good place ahead of the clash with Derby on Sunday, Rohl will now have to mix up his lineup for the next game.
Di’Shon Bernard picks up another yellow card and a suspension
Wednesday will have to face Derby without star defender, Di’Shon Bernard, after the Jamaica international picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, earning him a one-match suspension.
Bernard has been praised for his recent performances, particularly after his goal against Cardiff on Saturday.
But, the centre-half had been walking a suspension tightrope for a few weeks now, and his luck has finally run out.
Bernard was booked in the win over Hull for a professional foul in the 69th minute, bringing down Abdulkadir Omur as a counter attack started to build.
- READ MORE: Sheffield Wednesday player ratings vs Hull City as 8.5/10 man shines, James Beadle scores 8/10
Dominic Iorfa is the obvious replacement
While the loss of a key starting XI player will always be a blow, it may not be the end of the world for Rohl, as Dominic Iorfa is a perfectly adequate replacement.
Indeed, the towering defender had been a regular fixture in the lineup prior to the Cardiff clash, but Rohl now appears to prefer a back three of Yan Valery, Bernard, and the resurgent Max Lowe.
Iorfa should be able to step into the middle of the defence without a hitch, and his physical presence and composure on the ball will be valuable against Derby County.
With Max Lowe now a ‘vital’ player for Wednesday, and Valery showcasing his passing ability from deep, the balance in the Owls defence should be perfectly prepared to deal with a Rams side that are struggling to penetrate in the final third.