MATCH DETAILS
Sunderland v Wednesday
Friday 6 May
7:45pm
Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final first leg
Stadium of Light
A huge game awaits this evening for the Owls as our play-off campaign kicks off tonight at the Stadium of Light.
Both Wednesday and Sunderland have had strong seasons and head into the play-offs in good form.
Darren Moore’s side made absolutely sure of a place in the top six with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Portsmouth on the final day.
We head to Wearside with four wins from the last five and only one defeat in 11.
The Black Cats are also in outstanding form. Alex Neil’s side are on a 13-game unbeaten run ahead of the double-header with Wednesday.
TEAM NEWS
Wednesday: Barry Bannan will be assessed ahead of the game.
The skipper pulled up with injury in the season finale against Pompey. The gaffer said: “When any player enters the field of play there is a risk, and we’ll see what happens with him today. We’ve wrapped Barry up in cotton wool this week and we’ll see what he’s like. He’s still chirpy as he always is around the place – usual Baz.”
Ciaran Brennan is making good progress and has returned to training, while Dominic Iorfa is also making excellent strides in his recovery, though this semi-final clash will come too soon for the defender.
Sunderland: A late call will be made on striker Nathan Broadhead.
The Everton loanee is facing a battle to return for tonight’s semi-final first leg.
After scoring what proved the winning goal last time out against Morecambe, Broadhead was taken off midway through the first half after picking up a knock.
Midfielder Carl Winchester has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury and it’s feared he could miss the rest of the season.
Former Owls loanee Danny Batth has started the last three games after returning to fitness and is expected to feature this evening.
Dennis Cirkin and Aiden McGeady are edging closer to their respective returns.
OFFICIALS
Referee – Matthew Donohue
Assistant referee – Philip Dermott
Assistant referee – Paul Hodskinson
Fourth official – Dean Whitestone
TICKETS
Tickets for Wednesdayites are sold out.
Please note, unlike the league fixture at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season, tonight’s game is not unreserved seating for away supporters. Please sit in your designated seat.
iFOLLOW
Live match commentary will be provided by iFollow in association with BBC Radio Sheffield.
Due to broadcast restrictions and the game being shown live on Sky Sports, it will not be streamed on iFollow.
The same applies to the second leg at Hillsborough on Monday night.
Audio match passes are available HERE.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The hashtag for our content relative to tonight's game is #SUNSHW
Our official Twitter account @swfc will provide a blow-by-blow text update of the game as well as all key match information, including team news at 6.45pm.
Our official Instagram @swfcofficial will also keep you up to date on the latest events, with content uploaded to the story throughout the matchday.
The key news will also be uploaded to our Facebook page HERE.
Watch extended match highlights on our YouTube channel.
Give us a follow on Tik Tok too!
WIN A MATCH-WORN SIGNED SHIRT
We have launched a competition to give fans the chance to win a match-worn and fully signed Wednesday shirt.
.@TheSherlocks are playing at Hillsborough ahead of our game with @SunderlandAFC on Monday! 🎸
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) May 4, 2022
We're giving fans the chance to win a match-worn and fully signed #swfc shirt! 🦉
Simply post a video of yourself or a friend singing your favourite Wednesday song using #SingItLoud pic.twitter.com/nIQ17fb1OR
Simply post a video of yourself or a friend singing your favourite Wednesday song on Twitter, using the hashtag #SingItLoud
FORM GUIDE
Owls: WWLWW
Sunderland: WDWDW
LAST FIVE MEETING
30 Dec 2021 | Sunderland 5-0 Owls | League One
2 Nov 2021 | Owls 3-0 Sunderland | League One
16 Aug 2018 | Sunderland 0-2 Owls | EFL Cup
2 April 2018 | Sunderland 1-3 Owls | Championship
16 Aug 2017 | Owls 1-1 Sunderland | Championship