Match preview: Cardiff v Wednesday

11 September 2020

The Owls’ 2020/21 Championship campaign begins this weekend as we head to Cardiff.

Last weekend saw the start of the EFL season as Wednesday booked their place in round two with a penalty shootout win over Walsall.

But anticipation is high for Saturday’s trip to the Welsh capital with points on the line in the maiden league fixture of 20/21.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game;

MATCH DETAILS

- Date: Saturday 12 September
- Kick-off, 3.00pm
- Championship
- Cardiff City Stadium

iFOLLOW AND SKY SPORTS

All home and away fixtures not televised are available to stream via iFollow for £10 per game, beginning with Saturday’s curtain-raiser against Cardiff.

Not Today Or Any Day

Wednesday’s 2020/21 first team shirts will feature the EFL’s ‘Not Today or Any Day’ campaign logo throughout the season.

All Championship, League One and League Two clubs will don the logo to reinforce the message that discrimination in any form will not be tolerated.

TEAM NEWS

SWFC: Striker Elias Kachunga is in line to make his debut for the Owls.

The former Huddersfield man didn’t travel to Walsall in the cup last week having only just joined the club.

But with a week’s training under the belt, Kachunga could feature on Saturday at Cardiff.

Osaze Urhoghide is expected back in full training next week so will not be ready in time for the clash against the Bluebirds.

Meanwhile, Chey Dunkley remains on course with his return to fitness, with Garry Monk stating the defender is seven-10 days away from being in contention.

There were no injury concerns from the victory over the Saddlers last weekend.

Cardiff: Joe Ralls and Lee Tomlin are doubts for the Bluebirds.

Manager Neil Harris says he is pleased with the duo’s progress, though, with both players back in training this week but the clash with the Owls could come too soon.

Owls boss on Cardiff:

“Our first game is probably as tough as it comes. We have had a good preparation and we are looking to take that into this game and the games before the international break.

“We want to try and get as many points on the board as possible and our aim is to start well.”

Cardiff manager Neil Harris said:

"I spoke to the players this morning in a pre-match meeting.

"They were great and we're now fully focused on Sheffield Wednesday, ready to start the league campaign.

"It's a shame the fans won't be there. We miss them and certainly did so in the play-off games.

"I want to make sure that there's a team on the pitch they're proud of – that's always the aim."

PLAYED FOR BOTH – Kadeem Harris

Facing his former club this weekend and @KadeemHarris27 can't wait for it to begin

⏳⚽️#swfc pic.twitter.com/SPW53NANxV
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) September 9, 2020

LAST MEETING – 29 December 2019 | Owls 1-2 Cardiff

LAST FIVE V CARDIFF

Owls 1-2 Cardiff, 29 December 2019 (Championship)
Cardiff 1-1 Owls, 18 October 2019 (Championship)
Owls 0-0 Cardiff, 20 January 2018 (Championship)
Cardiff 1-1 Owls, 16 September 2017 (Championship)
Owls 1-0 Cardiff, 14 April 2017 (Championship)

Match Previews

Match Reports

Report: Cardiff 0-2 Wednesday

12 September 2020

The curtain came up on the 2020/21 campaign and Wednesday dominated the stage, posting a 2-0 win at Cardiff.

First half goals from Josh Windass and Jordan Rhodes did the damage as Garry Monk’s men emerged worthy winners.

Sure and steady with and without the ball, the Owls kicked off the season in exactly the place Monk required and earned three valuable points in the process.

Right from the off Wednesday played with real purpose and hit the front just four minutes in.

Izzy Brown slid a low ball into the path of the advancing Windass, who smashed home on the angle after bursting into the box.

It was the perfect tonic and gave Wednesday a jolt of confidence at both ends of the field.

Defensively, the visitors were solid and well-drilled which served as the platform to build from the back.

And just before the half-hour mark, the lively Windass almost doubled his tally. The new recruit picked his spot from 20 yards and only a flying save from Alex Smithies prevented a 2-0 deficit for his team.

But the Cardiff keeper was beaten for a second time two minutes before the break. A cleverly executed training ground routine involving Bannan, Dominic Iorfa and Windass ended with Rhodes applying the finishing touch from close range to put Wednesday in the driving seat.

The pattern of the contest remained in the early throes of the second half, prompting Cardiff to make a double substitution on the hour.

But the hosts struggled to make an impact on the offensive, as the Owls’ press forced City back.

Wednesday made two changes of their own, with both goalscorers taking a breather. Elias Kachunga took his SWFC bow from the bench and the Owls continued in the ascendancy, with Smithies denying Kachunga a debut goal.

The closing stages saw more of the same and for all Cardiff’s frustrations, the Owls took the full plaudits as they put down a first day marker in the Welsh capital.

Wednesday: Dawson, Harris, Lees, Iorfa, van Aken, Penney (Palmer 78), Luongo, Brown, Bannan, Windass (Kachunga 70) Rhodes (Reach 65)