Sheffield Wednesday are finally set to get their 2024/25 campaign underway this afternoon.
The Owls have been waiting for the return of Championship action with high anticipation, having been predicted to drastically improve on their relegation scrap last time out.
A number of Sheffield Wednesday players will be hoping to make their debut, with the club recruiting ten new signings this summer.
Danny Rohl will have a full-strength team at his disposal, but Ike Ugbo could well be left out after rejoining the club permanently a few days ago.
While there are high expectations of Rohl’s first full season in charge, Wayne Rooney is arguably under more pressure.
The 38-year-old became Plymouth Argyle manager in May and all eyes are now on him to see if he can improve on his disastrous spell at Birmingham City.
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Plymouth Argyle key man could be out v Sheffield Wednesday
Rooney will need his best players available if he is to beat the Owls, but his recent quotes have already suggested that key man Michael Cooper could be left out.
As per The Star, Rooney told the media ahead of the game: “Michael has trained today.
“He’s available for the game Sunday, it’s just whether I pick him or not. Conor Hazard has had a really good pre-season – I think the two of them have been neck and neck if you like in terms of who plays. That’s a decision for me to make on which goalkeeper plays and which one is on the bench.”
Cooper has been named Plymouth’s Player of the Season on two occasions in the last three years, while he picked up six clean sheets in 19 matches last term.
The goalkeeper has attracted interest from Sheffield United this summer, with Plymouth recently turning down a bid for his signature.
Being Rooney’s first opponents could be massively beneficial
Doubts over Cooper’s future means he could well be benched later today, which could hand a boost to Wednesday.
Rooney still has Conor Hazard available, who made 27 appearances during the last campaign.
However, Cooper’s absence could prove to be a disturbance to the team, while United’s bid will likely cause uncertainty in the dressing room.
The Owls will be confident of claiming all three points against Plymouth either way though, while the pressure on Rooney’s first game being televised could also benefit the hosts.
Rohl’s side desperately need to start their campaign off with a win, because back-to-back matches against Sunderland and Leeds United could bring spirits down if they have already lost their opener.