Wednesday have posted seven points from the last nine heading into the New Year’s Day clash with Derby.
The recent upturn in results means that a victory over the Rams could see the Owls move out of the bottom three for the first time this season.
But Wednesday – under the caretaker management of Neil Thompson – face a Derby side that have lost just one game in their last eight.
The Rams are 20th in the Championship but have picked up of late with three wins in the last six outings, including their midweek 4-0 triumph away at Birmingham.
MATCH DETAILS
- Date: Friday 1 January
- Kick-off, 5.30pm
- Championship
- Hillsborough
OFFICIALS
Referee - Matthew Donohue
Assistant Referee 1 - Richard Wild
Assistant Referee 2 - George Byrne
Fourth Official - David Webb
LIVE BROADCAST
Supporters should note that as this fixture is televised by Sky Sports, there is no standard iFollow coverage.
TEAM NEWS
SWFC: Joost van Aken (groin) and Adam Reach (hamstring) both missed out in our 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday.
The duo will be assessed ahead of the clash with the Rams.
Julian Börner and Massimo Luongo are unlikely to feature as they continue with their respective recoveries from injury.
After a strong performance on Tuesday night at Hillsborough, Neil Thompson may opt to go with a similar squad on New Year’s Day.
Matt Penney made his first appearance since September in midweek, coming off the bench to replace Josh Windass for the final ten minutes.
The academy product could be involved again on Friday – his last outing was away at Fulham in the Carabao Cup.
Derby: The Rams will be without Martyn Waghorn, who serves the second game of his three-match ban.
The striker was sent off in Derby’s 1-0 defeat to Preston on Boxing Day.
Curtis Davies (Achilles) is set for a long spell out of action, while Tom Lawrence (ankle) is set to miss out.
FORM GUIDE
Wednesday: LLWDW
Derby: DDWLW
LAST FIVE v Derby
Owls 1-3 Derby – 29 February 2020 – Championship
Derby 1-1 Owls – 11 December 2019 – Championship
Derby 1-1 Owls – 9 March 2019 – Championship
Owls 1-2 Derby – 24 November 2018 – Championship
Owls 2-0 Derby – 13 February 2018 – Championship