Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to make it three wins on the bounce as they face Sunderland.
Danny Rohl’s side have had an emphatic start to the 2024/25 season, both in the league and cup.
A brilliant 4-0 hammering of Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle kicked off the season, which was followed up by a 2-1 away victory against Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Sheffield Wednesday have shown incredible character so far, including the fact that Rohl’s side were able to perform in the Carabao Cup with a second-string side, and defeat a Hull City side that was much closer to full-strength.
Following the 2-1 win against the East Yorkshire outfit, Rohl will be handed yet again another selection headache, which he already initially had as a result of the brilliant debut of Svante Ingelsson, who may be likely to keep former Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah out of the side.
There are many players who proved that they can provide a significant impact for Rohl’s side, and the German boss must consider three in particular and whether he will utilise them against Sunderland.
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Charlie McNeill
The most obvious contender after a brilliant performance will undoubtedly be Sheffield Wednesday striker Charlie McNeill, who scored a 10-minute brace on his Owls debut against Hull City.
The striker’s chances are boosted as a result of the fitness concerns surrounding new signing Ike Ugbo, although he will struggle to get ahead of Jamal Lowe, who scored on his debut against Plymouth Argyle.
The attacker, who arrived on a free following his release from Manchester United, showed poacher-like instincts throughout the game, and it took less than a minute for him to showcase that.
Marvin Johnson
With the signing of Max Lowe, it was always expected that Marvin Johnson’s game time this season will be a little lower, however he proved against Hull City that he is still fully worthy of being considered at starting in defence for Sheffield Wednesday.
Attacking from the back has always been Johnson’s strength, and he clearly showed this throughout his appearance, and he could certainly provide the same impact at least off the bench for Rohl’s side against Sunderland.
Michael Ihiekwe
Former Rotherham United Michael Ihiekwe defender was absent from the starting 11 in the opening Championship game but, like the other two, he certainly showed that he can still play a significant role for Sheffield Wednesday this campaign, particularly as a result of the less than excessive options at centre-back.
Whilst Di’Shon Bernard is ultimately the Owls’ main centre-half, there will be no surprise to see Ihiekwe get ahead of Dominic Iorfa in the side following his performance.
Across the pitch, Rohl has been handed a selection headache, and this is just a testament to what was a perfect summer of pre-season preparations.