Big changes and preventative measures – Sheffield Wednesday XI prediction for Coventry City
Sheffield Wednesday will be away from Championship action this weekend as the FA Cup returns – but what changes will Danny Röhl make?
Wednesday and Coventry City are no strangers these days, having played each other numerous times over the last few years, including twice in this tournament last season, but there has also been a change at the top since their last meeting in October, when Mark Robins led the Owls to a 2-1 victory.
Frank Lampard is now Röhl’s opposite number as they return to the CBS Arena, and while the Sky Blues look to turn around a poor run of form, the German may make changes to rest some of his players – even though he has stated that he will still ‘go strong’ this weekend.
With that in mind, things might look a little different on Saturday afternoon, and here’s how we anticipate Wednesday will go:
1. James Beadle – GK
It’s the FA Cup, not the Carabao Cup, and with no midweek game to worry about – plus Röhl’s statements about ‘going strong’ – Beadle would be expected to start.
2. Pol Valentin – RB
Valentin hasn’t gotten much experience on the pitch recently, and this game might be seen as a chance for him to start.
3. Gabriel Otegbayo – CB
He came on to rescue the day against Millwall last time out, but this is the kind of game you’d expect him to start regardless of his cameo.
4. Di’Shon Bernard – CB
With a lack of defensive choices and Michael Ihiekwe still not fully healthy, there isn’t much choice except to employ Bernard in this one, especially since he just had a ban.
5. Liam Palmer – LB
‘Palms’ hasn’t played much lately, and with Marvin Johnson’s injury and Max Lowe’s lack of rest, he may be forced to take on a somewhat unfavorable position in this one. Sam Reed may also be a contender.
6. Nathaniel Chalobah (CM)
He’s done well since returning from injury, and Röhl will be anxious to continue adding minutes to his tank in order to bring him back to 100%. Given his workload, Bannan may need to relax.
7. Shea Charles, CM
He’s become good at playing football and has the legs for it, so if Röhl is going to ‘go strong’, you’d expect him to start.
8. Djeidi Gassama — AMR
He’s been a big danger for the Owls recently, and if he doesn’t need a rest, there’s no need to give him a vacation for this one given the absence of a midweek game.
9. Josh Windass – AMC
If Wednesday is going well, you’d suppose Windass is a part of it; he’s been pulled out of a number of games lately to keep him accessible.
10. Anthony Musaba – AML
This is a difficult decision since it might just as well go to Jamal Lowe or Svante Ingelsson, but after a strong showing last time out, Musaba may well get the nod.
11. Michael Smith – ST
‘Smudge’ has been in and out of the squad this season, despite some outstanding goal and assist totals; if handed a start today, he’ll be eager to add to them.
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