Buoyed after Saturday’s 5-0 thumping of AFC Wimbledon, Henrik Pedersen’s side will fancy their chances of picking up another positive result on the road.
Wednesday are sixth in League One and remain unbeaten away from Hillsborough this season, accruing 10 points from four outings. Their last defeat came at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 25.
“The boys had a big confidence, trust and belief before the AFC Wimbledon game but, of course, to win 5-0 helps for confidence and the fundamentals for the next games,” boss Henrik Pedersen told The Wednesday Word. “We are building momentum and it’s strong to be unbeaten for nine matches.”
Will Pedersen make any changes to his starting XI for their next assignment? With Joe Lumley ruled out for two to three weeks because of a rib injury, Ashley Maynard-Brewer looks set for an extended run in the team.
Max Lowe’s return to action was a welcome sight at the weekend, replacing Di’Shon Bernard in the 74th minute. Given Reece James’ reliable performances at left-back, Pedersen can afford to ease Lowe back in.
“It was nice to see him [Lowe] again on the pitch,” he said. “He came in as a left centre-back instead of a left-back, but he did well and I’m happy that he’s back.
“Reece has been really, really strong, and it’s a good challenge for the manager. It’s positive and to have Max back is fantastic.”
The double pivot of Jaden Heskey and Bannan earned the right to stay in place after Saturday’s dominant win.
The Dane emptied his bench once Saturday’s match was safe, giving Liam Cooper, Bernard and Barry Bannan a valuable rest. Cooper and Bernard look likely to continue as the centre-back pairing, with Yan Valery nailed on at right-back. Ricardo Santos (groin) remains unavailable for selection. “He’s not on the training pitches; I’m not sure when he will be back,” said Pedersen after the Wimbledon rout.
Pedersen has made it clear rotation will be a theme from “from game to game” and that they will also make changes “early in games” to combat the relentless schedule.
The double pivot of Jaden Heskey and Bannan earned the right to stay in place after Saturday’s dominant win. But further forward, Pedersen may freshen things up.
Liverpool loanee Kieran Morrison is pushing hard for a recall after a lively cameo. He could come in on the right wing, with Callum Slattery switching to the left. It would be incredibly harsh on Harry Gray to miss out but Pedersen will be mindful of managing minutes. Gray’s pace and energy could be a useful weapon off the bench.
After scoring a brace and claiming an assist on Saturday, Davis Keillor-Dunn is undroppable in the No 10 role. Notts County are in the relegation zone and a team low on confidence, having lost four league matches on the bounce, and Keillor-Dunn’s ability to find pockets of space in between the lines could be decisive.
Jamal Lowe looks a certainty to start up top. He brilliantly teed Gray up for his first Wednesday goal. His link up play and all-round contribution has been critical to the team’s success.
Predicted Owls XI vs Notts County (4-2-3-1): Maynard-Brewer; Valery, Bernard, Cooper, James; Heskey, Bannan; Morrison, Keillor-Dunn, Slattery; J Lowe.
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