It will be the first time Dave Challinor has managed a league fixture since replacing Henrik Pedersen. The 51-year-old fielded a strong team in the FA Cup defeat at Oldham Athletic, but protected his first-teamers from injury by naming a youthful side for the Jersey Mike’s Trophy tie against Accrington Stanley – a match with little at stake. Now the focus is firmly on beating Plymouth to revive Wednesday’s promotion bid after a four-match winless run.
“We’ve got six or seven players out,” said Challinor. “We’ve got four on international duty. We’re coming into a run of fixtures between now and the new year of 11 games so we’re going to need all of our players.”
He knows the Owls have to improve their home record. They have only taken 10 points from seven matches this season.
Challinor said: “Every successful team is built on what they do at their home stadium. We’ve got to make sure we keep the supporters involved in the game for as long as possible.”
Wednesday look set to be boosted by the return from injury of first-choice goalkeeper Joe Lumley. The 31-year-old has missed the past five league matches due to a rib problem. Lumley is in line to replace Connal Trueman in between the sticks.
While the Owls are without several key personnel, Challinor has spoken of doing the basics well and not overcomplicating things. Wednesday will likely stick with a back three to combat Plymouth’s direct, physical style of play. Sil Swinkels is back available, while Di’Shon Bernard, Ricardo Santos and Liam Cooper are pushing to start. Elsewhere, Liam Palmer could potentially be deployed as a makeshift left wing back. It is an area where Wednesday are short on cover, with Max Lowe and Reece James out injured. Yan Valery should get the nod on the right.
It will be fascinating to see what Challinor decides to do in midfield. Will the Barry Bannan-Jaden Heskey combination be given another opportunity to prove their worth? Or is Billy Mitchell in line for a recall after returning to training? Challinor might opt to go with the experienced pairing of Mitchell and Bannan as Wednesday look to turnaround their fortunes.
Callum Slattery and Davis Keillor-Dunn look nailed on to be used in the advanced attacking roles supporting the lone front man. Loan ace Keillor-Dunn has been in fine form, hitting five goals in his last eight outings. Given Louie Barry has not played since September, it would be a huge surprise to see the former Stockport County man start.
Challinor’s options are limited in attack. With Ali Al-Hamadi unlikely to be risked and Mason Burstow ruled out until mid-December, Jamal Lowe is in pole position to lead the line.
Predicted Owls team vs Plymouth (3-4-3): Lumley; Bernard, Santos, Cooper; Valery, Bannan, Mitchell, Palmer; Slattery, Keillor-Dunn, Lowe.
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I think this is close to the side I’d pick. But I’d play Gray in the 9, and pick the centre halves that are most likely to last 90 minutes (so on that basis Swinkles would start for me)