Sheffield Wednesday now have what feels like a huge game coming up in the Championship.
A 4-0 win vs Plymouth Argyle was followed up by one of the worst Sheffield Wednesday performances we’ve seen under Danny Rohl.
Barring the Carabao Cup win vs Hull City, the Owls proceeded Plymouth with a 4-0 defeat vs Sunderland in the Championship.
It was a woeful defensive performance with poor individual performances and mistakes scattered throughout.
Next up is a game vs Leeds United at Hillsborough, live on Sky Sports.
Sheffield Wednesday can be very hit and miss on Sky, as they’ve proven this season, and very hit and miss against Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.
Here are five thing that will be plaguing Rohl’s mind ahead of the game vs Leeds…
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The full-back dilemma for Danny Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield Wednesday’s starting full-backs, Yan Valery and Max Lowe, struggled against Sunderland.
Valery in particular was exposed against the likes of Jack Clarke on the Sunderland wing and it’s certainly given Rohl some food for thought head of Friday’s game.
Pol Valentin came on for Valery; Valentin seems more assured in defence.
Marvin Johnson is the other option on the left and he too has been exposed defensively in the past, so for Rohl, who starts at full-back remains a dilemma.
Does Danny Rohl change formations for Leeds United
The above point ties into this one; whether or not Rohl changes the formation for the game vs Leeds.
Sheffield Wednesday have played a 4-2-3-1 throughout summer and so far this season.
They look good in attack, when it works for them, but the Sunderland game showed their flaws.
A back-five will allow for three centre-backs on the pitch and may take the defensive strain off of the likes of Valery and Lowe.
But whether or not Rohl has prepared for such a change this summer remains to be seen.
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More steel needed in Sheffield Wednesday midfield
Sheffield Wednesday were not only beaten on the flanks on Sunday, but they were cut open through the middle too.
Svante Ingelsson had a particular poor game following his impressive debut vs Plymouth.
The Sunderland defeat has perhaps explained why Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with several defensive midfielders in the last week or so.
Though following the departure of Will Vaulks, Rohl doesn’t necessarily have a steely-type midfielder who can come in; Liam Palmer may be the best bet.
Does Josh Windass keep his starting spot
Of all the Wednesday performances vs Sunderland, Josh Windass‘ was perhaps the worst.
Or at least that’s the view of many Owls fans on social media, with Windass deemed at fault for more than one of Sunderland’s goals on the day.
He’s played in the no.10 position so far and Rohl is a huge fan of the Englishman, so he may be hesitant to drop him so soon.
At the same time, however, Rohl can’t afford another poor performance from Windass, especially in a position on the pitch where so much creativity can come from.
Can Sheffield Wednesday players overcome the emotions of Sunderland defeat
Aside from the tactical changes that Rohl may consider before the Leeds game, he’ll be hoping that his players can simply put that Sunderland defeat behind them, and start afresh.
It’s easier said than done, and failing to do so, and suffering another heavy defeat, could really set Sheffield Wednesday up for a poor patch of form.
Rohl needs to remind the players of that Plymouth win and of how good they can be on their day.