Henrik Pedersen’s team enter the clash on the back of a four-match unbeaten run. Although Wednesday were held to a frustrating goalless draw with struggling Wigan Athletic last time out, the result was enough to keep them top of the embryonic League One table.
Supporters can buy tickets on the West Lower Stand for all home fixtures moving forward. A statement on the club’s website read: “We’re calling on Wednesdayites to make the difference and bring the noise from all sides of Hillsborough!”
Pedersen has received a huge boost with the news that Yan Valery has shrugged off a minor knee injury. It is highly likely Valery will keep his place at right-back. The rest of the back four should remain unchanged. They will need to be at their best: Stockport have scored a league-high tally of 16 goals.
Kieran Morrison caused Wigan plenty of problems with his speed and direct running, particularly in the first half. He deserves to keep his place.
Barry Bannan, Callum Slattery and Billy Mitchell should all retain their places in midfield. Fans favourite Bannan has been operating deeper alongside Mitchell and is still searching for top form while Slattery may revert to the No 10 role, having struggled to make an impact from the left flank against Wigan. Expect Manchester City loanee Jaden Heskey is set to return to the matchday squad and bolster the bench.
Having watched his side fire blanks in three of their five home matches this season, it will be fascinating to see whether Pedersen decides to rejig his forward line for arguably their toughest test to date. Kieran Morrison caused Wigan plenty of problems with his speed and direct running, particularly in the first half. He deserves to keep his place.
Improving Wednesday’s output on the left hand side features high on Pedersen’s priority list. There is no like-for-like replacement in the squad for Louie Barry. The former Stockport man and experienced full-back Max Lowe are huge losses. Harry Gray impressed in a late cameo but is not a natural wide player. Jamal Lowe and Davis Keillor-Dunn can also operate from the left and drift into central areas to wreak havoc, but Pedersen may lean towards Gray, who has produced promising moments there earlier in the season.
Stockport’s defensive frailties could see Burstow keep his place
Pedersen has four options for the lone striker berth: Jamal Lowe, Davis Keillor-Dunn, Mason Burstow and Ali Al-Hamadi. Lowe was quiet last time out, Keillor-Dunn is still settling and Al-Hamad’s form has been inconsistent. Stockport’s defensive frailties could see Burstow keep his place. His pace and movement may stretch the visitors and open up space for others.
With the six-loanee rule, one attacking loanee must miss out. A late decision will be made on Al-Hamadi’s availability after the striker suffered a foot injury in training this week. If Pedersen decides not to risk Al-Hamadi, Heskey is in line to take his place on the bench.
Predicted Owls line-up vs Stockport (4-2-3-1): Lumley; Valery, Santos, Cooper, James; Bannan, Mitchell; Morrison, Slattery, Gray; Burstow.
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Agree with the pick ,Slattery has to have the No 10 role , wasted on the left and weakens our midfield ,need Barry back on firm 🙏💙