As is often the case, the festive season is set to be a crucial period that could shape the rest of the season for many clubs, particularly in the Coca Cola Championship where many teams are divided by only a few points.
Pundits often say that the league table starts to take a more predictable shape after 10-12 games and while this may be the case for 2-3 teams at either ends of the division, the places in between are far less obvious to pin down.
Going into December Sheffield Wednesday lie in 12th place in the Championship. With all teams having played 20 games they sit just 3 points behind Preston who are currently in a play-off place in 6th position. However, they are also only 4 points ahead of Blackpool who are 18th in the division.
December brings with it a run of six league matches in the space of 23 days and so by the time Fulham come to Hillsborough for the F.A. Cup tie on 3rd January the Championship picture could have become much clearer and this could even dictate what happens with regards to any deals in the transfer window, although the club's finances will take priority.
In these six fixtures the Owls face 4 teams that are currently below them in the league table. None of them are in the top six at the moment and so if the side are looking to aim for a top-half finish then this period should be seen as an opportunity to capitalise on some winnable games.