Sheffield Wednesday travel to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday evening to face Blackpool in the Coca-Cola Championship as they bid to get out of the relegation zone.
Saturday’s win at local rivals Barnsley gave new boss Alan Irvine the perfect start to his tenure but Wednesday will need to build on the momentum and confidence gained from that victory if they are to start climbing the table.
In terms of team news the Owls are likely to again be without the services of Francis Jeffers. The much criticised striker was thought to be in lie for a fresh start under Irvine but a hamstring injury is keeping him sidelined. Jermaine Johnson looked effective playing off Marcus Tudgay as a second striker at Oakwell and it would be something of a surprise if any changes were made to the winning 11 that started Irvine’s first fixture in charge. Leon Clarke could however bolster the Owls attacking options on the bench having returned to training this week.
Blackpool were held to a 2-2 draw at home by QPR on Saturday and boss Ian Holloway has suggested he may make changes to his side based on the fact that he expects Wednesday to offer a more physical challenge in comparison with the flair of the Londoners. With this in mind robust striker Ben Burgess may be in line for a recall having had to settle for a place on the bench on Saturday.
Experienced attacking midfielder Jason Euell could also come into the side should Holloway choose to make further changes and former Barnsley forward Daniel Nardiello is another player in contention.
The Seasiders will definitely be without midfielder Hameur Bouazza who is on international duty with Algeria at the African Cup of Nations. Stephen McPhee and Billy Clarke will also miss out as they are injured.
Wednesday picked up their first win in 13 at the weekend, doubling their number of away wins for the season in the process by taking their tally to two. A point would move the Owls out of the bottom three at the expense of Reading and a win would put them within touching distance of Scunthorpe and Ipswich in the lower reaches of the table.
Blackpool have not picked up a win in their last three attempts and have not won any of their last four home games but a win this evening would push them back into the play-off places.
The two sides are yet to meet this season as this fixture was originally scheduled to take place on 28th December. Wednesday enjoyed the upper hand in the two matches last season, drawing 1-1 at Hillsborough and winning 2-0 at Bloomfield Road.