Sheffield Wednesday host Bristol City in the Championship this weekend, in yet another crucial clash for the Owls.
Sheffield Wednesday have given themselves a fresh chance of survival this season.
The Owls have picked up recent wins against Birmingham City, then beating Millwall 2-0 at The Den in their last outing to leave themselves four points from safety.
With Millwall rapidly falling down the table, Sheffield Wednesday look to have a real chance of pulling their heads above water, and the visit of Bristol City is another chance for three points.
The Robins were beaten by QPR in their last outing and currently sit in 12th after a fairly inconsistent season to date.
Barry Bannan walking suspension tightrope ahead of Bristol City clash
Club captain and fan favourite Barry Bannan is no doubt the first name on the teamsheet every week.
He’s been in fine form under Rohl, having featured 29 times in the Championship this season, albeit scoring once and assisting once.
But his influence has been a huge factor behind the upturn in form under Rohl, though with the 34-year-old now on nine yellow cards for the season, he risks a two-game suspension should he pick up another card in any of the next four games.
Once clubs reach the 37-game mark, the yellow card count resets, as relayed by The Star.
Bannan suspension would be huge dent to Sheffield Wednesday hopes
Today’s game is followed by a trip to Rotherham United and then a home game vs Plymouth, before games against Leeds United and Ipswich Town.
So these next three games are absolutely crucial in the Owls’ survival bid and should Bannan be suspended for games against Rotherham and Plymouth, which are real must-wins for the Owls, it’d be a huge blow for Danny Rohl.
But Rohl simply can’t not start Bannan in the next few games. All he can do is ask Bannan to be wary of getting a yellow card.
If the Scot can get to the Plymouth game then it would be much better for the Owls, who’ll no doubt be expected to lose in games against Leeds and Ipswich; and if Wednesday can pick up wins against Rotherham and Plymouth then it would certainly soften the blow of losing Bannan for Leeds and Ipswich.
Rohl will be taking matters game by game and if he loses Bannan to suspension, so be it; however, with few midfielders in the ranks and arguably only Bannan in form compared to names like Will Vaulks, Momo Diaby, and Jeff Hendrick, losing him would certainly be a big blow.
Kick off vs Bristol City is at 3pm today.