Sheffield Wednesday’s search for 3 points in the Championship sees them face another stern test on Saturday as they host Bolton Wanderers. 3 defeats in a row have seen the Owls drop well into the bottom half of the division with Wednesday evening’s loss to Huddersfield their first defeat at Hillsborough since February.
Full-back Joe Mattock looked out of sorts at right-back against the Terriers and his dismissal on the stroke of half-time means he will be suspended on Saturday. Former Oldham right-back Kieran Lee could be in line to make his league debut for the Owls. With Lewis Buxton struggling with a hamstring injury Lee is the only fit senior recognised right-back in the squad.
The Owls have been leaking goals left right and centre the season and have conceded 2 or more in all of their 6 league games to date. Miguel Llera was dropped to the bench against Huddersfield but could be in contention to return to the first 11. Anthony Gardner is close to a return to fitness but it remains to be seen if he we be ready for a full return at this stage.
Rhys McCabe will be hoping to regain his place in midfield and the pairing of Jay Bothroyd and Gary Madine up front looked ineffectual on Wednesday, Rodri, Chris O’Grady and Nejc Pecnik are all in contention to start should Dave Jones wish to make changes.
Bolton have a major doubt over on-loan Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing. He picked up a calf injury on Tuesday evening and if he fails to be passed fit then Keith Andrews is expected to replace him.
The Trotters continue to be without injured midfielder Stuart Holden and defender David Wheater but Stephen Warnock could make his debut having joined the club on loan from Aston Villa. Ex Owls loan player Chris Eagles is likely to start in a wide attacking position for the visitors.
Having picked up 7 points from their first 3 games Wednesday have now been stuck on that tally having lost 3 in a row. The Owls have scored in all but one of their league and cup games this season but have conceded 14 goals in 6 league matches.
Bolton also have 7 points from 6 games but have lost all 3 of their away games so far, including Tuesday evening’s 2-1 setback at Birmingham City.
Bolton have only won 8 times in 54 visits to Sheffield Wednesday, losing 35 of them. They did however win 3-0 on their last visit to Hillsborough in 2001 and have won the last 4 clashes between the 2 sides in league and cup.