Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl arguably picks his most important XI to date as he readies for the Steel City derby against Sheffield United.
Games towards the end of last season that kept Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship were obviously crucial. But this first Steel City derby in five years may set the tone for the rest of the Owls’ season.
For Danny Rohl and many of his players, it’s a first. But Dominic Iorfa has warned the Sheffield Wednesday players of the task ahead, with him, Barry Bannan, and Liam Palmer having played in these derbies before.
Sheffield United could be without Kieffer Moore this weekend in what would certainly be a boost for the Owls, though Rohl said in his Friday presser that he’s preparing to face a Blades XI with or without Moore.
Sheffield Wednesday team and injury news vs Sheffield United
Rohl shared an interesting update on Nathaniel Chalobah on Friday, with the summer signing having yet to make his league debut owing to multiple muscle injuries.
Sharing the latest on Chalobah, Rohl said: “Nath is back on the grass. He trained the last two days with the team.
“Of course, he needs a little bit more minutes, more practices. But it’s a huge step forward.”
Akin Famewo remains sidelined, though Rohl says that the defender is feeling positive about his road to recovery.
“He was very positive,” Rohl said as he revealed a recent meeting with Famewo.
“He said ‘I will come stronger back’. He will fight. He will do everything. We know this injury takes time and you can never say how quick it goes.”
The Owls remain without Olaf Kobacki and Michael Ihiekwe too, though Ihiekwe is back on grass along with Chalobah.
Sheffield Wednesday predicted lineup vs Sheffield United
For this one, many eyes will be on Ike Ugbo and whether Rohl picks him to start this huge game, despite the striker having been in such poor scoring form.
Ugbo played well for Sheffield Wednesday against Norwich City but missed another open goal, with Michael Smith still seeming like the best option up top.
Elsewhere, Max Lowe has been tipped to start for Sheffield Wednesday against his former club, possibly in this new left-sided centre-back role, or at left-back should Marvin Johnson play higher up the pitch.
The midfield could see another shuffle depending on what formation Rohl goes for, with his Owls XIs of late having been quite fluid and adaptable in its shape.
Though it seems unlikely that Rohl is going to take any kind of risks with his team selection for the game at Bramall Lane.
Here’s how we think Sheffield Wednesday will line up against Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon…
Beadle (GK)
Lowe
Bernard
Iorfa
Valery
Johnson
Bannan
Charles
Ingelsson
Windass
Smith