Garry Monk is looking to build on his side’s positive performance against Nottingham Forest last time out when they face Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Sunday.
Connor Wickham’s late equaliser earned a point in a game that could easily have seen the Owls come out on top, and the manager has been pleased with the squad’s preparation ahead of the hectic fixture schedule.
Monk said: “We’ve had another full week to prepare which is good. Then after this we have little time between games.
“That’s the challenge for all of us, it’s a little bit strange. But I think we look good, the players have worked incredibly hard to be in as good a condition as possible and we showed that in the last game.
“We were very unlucky not to win the game last week. We’ll be showing the same attitude as we did against Forest and we know we can beat those types of teams that are above us in the league. We have a lot of games against teams above us and it’s an opportunity to drag them closer to us.”
Monk praised the attitude of his players for coming back after lockdown with a refreshed outlook, and is looking forward to seeing the positive effect their mindset has on the pitch.
He added: “The lockdown period was a good time to reflect. From being third at Christmas to what happened after that, it’s an opportunity to change their own situation.
“It’s about having the right mindset to change it and having a stronger mentality. That’s what I’ve seen in the last three or four weeks. I credit the players for that.
“I feel positive with the players that are here and that are committed. The majority of the group came back in a good condition and that showed in the first game.
“It’s a big opportunity for all the players. Whether you have a contract for 10 years or just until the end of the season, as a player you should always be playing for your future.
“There’s a number of players who have come back with a renewed focus and know what they want to achieve.”