Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United meet for the first time since April 2010 on Sunday when the League One promotion contenders clash at Bramall Lane. Both sides are led by former Sheffield Wednesday players who will take charge of their respective teams in the derby for the first time. Gary Megson, who took over as manager of the Owls in February, played for the Hillsborough side during the 80’s and Blades manager Danny Wilson featured in midfield for the successful Wednesday team of the early 90’s before having an unsuccessful stint as manager of the club at the end of that decade.
Wednesday currently have a five point advantage over their city rivals in the League One table but knowing that they will remain above the Blades whatever the result may be on Sunday will offer little comfort if the derby doesn’t go as the Owls hope it will.
Megson’s team go into the game on a run of 4 straight victories and are unlikely to make many if indeed any changes to the side that beat Chesterfield 3-1 last weekend. One decision he has to makes regards the left-back slot. Reda Johnson returns to the squad following international duty and will be hoping to regain his place from Julian Bennett who deputised in Johnson’s absence last Saturday.
Ryan Lowe is struggling with an ankle injury and so either Chris O’Grady or David Mcgoldrick will more than likely partner red-hot striker Gary Madine up front. Jermaine Johnson and Liam Palmer are expected to provide attacking options from the bench.
Sheffield United’s form in the league has hit a dip of late and Wilson has reacted by utilising the loan market. Wide midfielder Matt Phillips and striker Billy Clarke have both moved to Bramall Lane on month-long-loans from Blackpool this week and are in contention to make their debuts in the derby.
A run of five wins in six games has seen the Owls soar into 2nd place in League One. The basis of this has been an excellent home record – Wednesday have won six out of six at Hillsborough – however, after a poor start on the road Megson’s side have also started to get things right in away games, winning their last two.
The Blades got off to a flying start this season, going undefeated in their first seven league games but have struggled a little recently, losing three of their last four in League One including home defeats against promotion rivals Huddersfield and Charlton. They managed to steady the ship a little in midweek by winning 2-1 at Rotherham in the Football League Trophy.
The Blades held the bragging rights the last time the two sides met in the 2009/10 season, winning 3-2 at home having led 3-0 at half-time before holding the Owls to a 1-1 draw at Hillsborough.
Wednesday’s last victory on their rivals patch came in 2009 when 1st-half goals from Tommy Spurr and Marcus Tudgay saw them clinch a 2-1 win. That however was the Owls only victory in their last 13 competitive visits to their arch rivals.