Sheffield Wednesday host Norwich City in the Championship on Tuesday, looking to bounce back from a humbling defeat against Watford.
Wednesday were beaten 6-2 against Watford on Saturday, in what was their biggest defeat of the season so far.
Goals from Michael Smith and Pol Valentin were the only consolation in a defeat that leaves The Owls three points above the Championship relegation zone.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  DerbyDerby | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 15 |
| 15 |  Hull CityHull City | 13 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 15 | 17 | -2 | 15 |
| 16 |  Stoke CityStoke City | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 18 | -3 | 15 |
| 17 |  CardiffCardiff | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 15 |
| 18 |  Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 24 | -9 | 15 |
| 19 |  Oxford UnitedOxford United | 13 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 14 |
| 20 |  PrestonPreston | 13 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 20 | -6 | 14 |
| 21 |  LutonLuton | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 21 | -6 | 12 |
| 22 |  PlymouthPlymouth | 13 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 13 | 25 | -12 | 12 |
Danny Rohl’s side has been inconsistent throughout the season, not managing to string together a consistent run of positive league results so far.
This theme may continue as The Owls face two difficult challenges this week. Tuesday night’s visit of free-scoring Norwich is followed by Sunday’s trip to city rivals Sheffield United.
Rohl will need his strongest defence to stave off Norwich, but one star in particular risks missing the weekend’s derby if he plays against The Canaries.
Di’Shon Bernard is at risk of suspension vs Norwich tonight
Di’Shon Bernard has played in all but one league match this season, missing The Owls 3-2 win against West Brom in September through suspension. He risks a similar fate for the Steel City Derby if he picks up a yellow card tonight.
Bernard has received four yellow cards so far this season, on top of his red against Luton in September. However, he has remained a reliable pick for Rohl in his three-at-the-back formation.
His potential suspension would be a real issue, as the injury to Michael Ihiekwe has The Owls squad with limited options for Rohl’s preferred system.
A switch to a back four against Watford ended disastrously, so Bernard’s availability for the derby on Sunday would be crucial to allow Rohl to revert to three defenders.
This potentially strengthens the case to leave him out against Norwich, but his impressive stats this season show that his potential suspension must be risked.
Bernard’s defensive stats make him undroppable vs Norwich
Against the Championship’s top scorers, Bernard’s defensive strengths will be crucial if Wednesday are to earn a result at Hillsborough.
In the league this season, Bernard has won 75% of his tackles and 66% of his overall duels, including nearly four aerial duels per 90 minutes.
He is only being dribbled past 0.18 times per match whilst committing under a foul per game also.
If The Owls are able to keep out Norwich’s potent attack, stats like these will be key, especially if Bernard is able to maintain his success in his duels.
His low number of fouls committed shows that he isn’t rash in the tackle, which should give Rohl hope that he will be able to avoid a yellow card tonight and start on Sunday at Bramall Lane as well.