Sheffield Wednesday might just be playing Southampton at the worst possible time. Their manager Russell Martin has confirmed that Romeo Lavia and James Ward-Prowse are available to play at Hillsborough.
Playing a newly relegated side does have its cons. Naturally, the Southampton squad will look much different after the transfer window has closed but right now, they still have a pretty strong squad dripping in Premier League experience.
Wednesday will be on the crest of a wave after winning promotion to the Championship. Tomorrow night does look like a tough test, however, with the Owls still bedding in a number of new summer signings.
Xisco Munoz will have his team prepared well for tomorrow. He will come up against a player who is valued at £25 million and one who is being heavily courted by Liverpool at the moment.
Martin performed his first pre-match press duties earlier today. He’s confirmed that both of his star players will make the trip to South Yorkshire for tomorrow night’s clash.
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He told The Yorkshire Post: “Both will be involved tomorrow night as it stands. I don’t know if anything will change between now and then. Do I think they’ll be Southampton players by the end of the window? I haven’t got a clue.”
Wednesday could face Southampton at the worst time
Tomorrow will be a stern test for Wednesday. The Saints will fancy their chances of an immediate return to the Premier League this season and they will want to start well.
Having Ward-Prowse and Lavia available is huge for them. Both players are integral to their fortunes and losing them this month would leave massive voids to fill.
Still, Wednesday have to relish the challenge. They won promotion to play the bigger teams and tomorrow’s game will be a good barometer to see where they are.
Confidence will be a big thing. The Owls must keep their heads and stay in the contest against the Saints. If they do that and get the fans behind them, they might fancy another memorable night under the Hillsborough lights.