Sheffield Wednesday are set to host Leeds United in their third Championship clash tomorrow night.
The Owls were forced to dust themselves off and go again this week, as they remain wounded from their 4-0 thumping by Sunderland.
Playing one of the most talented squads in the league after such a defeat isn’t ideal, but they are arguably facing Leeds at the best time possible.
The Whites have picked up two points from their opening fixtures, while they also endured a 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
They are yet to replace the key players that have departed, while spirits have hit an all time low at Elland Road.
That certainly doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park for Sheffield Wednesday though, who will have to make serious changes from last weekend if they are to pick up their second win of the season.
Three glaring problems that Rohl needs to fix
Midfield domination
Wednesday chose to play with the same midfield three that battered Plymouth Argyle against Sunderland, but were completely dominated as soon as they came up against much better opponents.
Nathaniel Chalobah has been injured and is unable to take on that No.6 role, but it is very clear they can’t rely on the same trio as they host Leeds.
The Owls need a more defensive option to anchor the midfield and the perfect man for the job is Liam Palmer.
The 32-year-old played as No.6 on several occasions last season and is very much capable of doing a good job there.
Palmer should replace either Josh Windass or Svante Ingelsson on Friday night and add some much-needed defensive cover to the team.
Lack of end product out wide
Anthony Musaba and Djeidi Gassama looked lively against Plymouth, but their end product has been a concern – similar to last season.
Despite dominating possession on the opening day, the pair managed only two successful crosses between them, as well as two shots on target – while Musaba also missed two big chances.
The wingers need to improve their end product and give the striker better service, otherwise they aren’t going to see the ball – like against Sunderland.
To help solve this problem, Danny Rohl should move Jamal Lowe out wide and bring Ike Ugbo in for his first start.
Lowe has claimed a majority of his goal contributions from the right wing and could well provide Ugbo with more chances than Gassama could.
It also allows the Canadian to finally return to the starting line-up and hopefully bring in the same goal threat that he posed last term.
Yan Valery’s ‘appalling’ defensive display
Valery proved to be an excellent attacking threat against Plymouth, and that appears to be where he thrives the most.
However, he was heavily criticised for his performance against Sunderland, often getting caught out and really struggling to deal with the pace and trickery of Jack Clarke.
With Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James likely to start tomorrow, it isn’t going to get much easier for the Frenchman.
Valery will likely have learnt his lesson and will look a lot better at Hillsborough, but he will likely still need help.
With Palmer potentially coming into midfield, the veteran is going to need to act as cover for Valery and help him out defensively when Leeds have possession out wide. While if the right-back is on the attack himself, Palmer can fill in in the backline.