Michail Antonio has said the fans will play a key role on Saturday as Wednesday travel to local rivals Barnsley for the 5.20pm kick off at Oakwell.
Both the Owls and Reds sit in the Championship drop zone but three points would certainly provide a boost heading into the festive fixtures and that is very much on Antonio’s radar this weekend.
Antonio, who has been ever-present for the Owls this season with five goals, has said the fans will have a big role to play on Saturday and for the rest of the campaign.
He said: “When we play, they’re like the 12th man to the team. We need the fans to believe in us. While they believe that we can do it, we believe it too.
“Even during the run we’re on they’re right behind us. On Twitter the comment I always get is ‘onwards and upwards’, they’re being so positive.
“Nobody likes to lose, but if we’re going to have a run like this it’s better to do it at the beginning of the season rather than at the end. We are all working hard to turn it around and I am confident we can.”
Barnsley have notched just one win in their previous 14 Championship outings, although their 2-2 draw on the road against Leicester City gained them a credible point last weekend.
Antonio believes Wednesday can win the live televised clash but the 22-year-old knows his side will be in a battle, adding:
“It will be a tough, Barnsley are an established Championship team but it’s a derby and a game that everyone is looking forward to.
“We know we can rely on the fans to get right behind us and with their help there’s no reason why we can’t leave with three points.”