Sheffield Wednesday host Yorkshire rivals Barnsley on Saturday in what has become a must-win encounter for the Owls following a disappointing run of form.
The Owls are currently bottom of the Championship table with nine points.
Since Tony Pulis took charge, Wednesday have managed just three points from six games.
A lack of goals is evidently a major problem. However, with few options in reserve, the Owls must battle on as they desperately need the January transfer window to arrive.
Here we look at Wednesday’s predicted line-up for the visit of Barnsley.
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Wednesday were poor defensively at Huddersfield Town and changes are likely.
Julian Borner came off injured in the first half with a facial injury. While it doesn’t appear to be fractured, Saturday may come too soon for the German defender.
Liam Palmer can come in at right-back, pushing Dominic Iorfa back into the middle.
Joost van Aken was rested for the trip to Huddersfield in midweek. Tony Pulis said he looked tired against Norwich City, but expect the Dutchman to return.
Pulis also faces a dilemma in midfield. Massimo Luongo started in midweek, but Pulis admitted he looked very leggy and still short of match fitness.
Liam Shaw remains unavailable after his red card against Reading, therefore Joel Pelupessy may get a start on Saturday alongside Callum Paterson and Barry Bannan.
Barnsley sit 13 points ahead of Wednesday. The Tykes have so far made a mockery of their predicted struggles before the season, and they will target all three points at Hillsborough.
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