Henrik Pedersen’s troops play five times in 16 days, starting with Saturday’s home clash against mid-table AFC Wimbledon. It is a run of matches that could define Pedersen’s tenure.
What is undeniable is that Wednesday must improve their home form if they are to be considered serious promotion contenders. They have taken only five points from four Hillsborough fixtures and failed to score in three of them.
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Another big crowd is expected this weekend and all eyes will be on Pedersen’s team selection. Their dramatic late fightback at Huddersfield Town extended Wednesday’s unbeaten run to eight matches across all competitions but the performance also raised more concerns than answers. Individually and collectively Wednesday were second best for the majority of the contest and the result papered over the cracks of another disappointing display. Pedersen blasted his side’s first half showing at the Accu Stadium, describing their work in possession as “unacceptable”.
Wednesday’s performance at Huddersfield raised more concerns than answers
So what changes might he make?
The Wimbledon tussle is likely to come too soon for Max Lowe nor Sil Swinkels. The pair are progressing well from their respective hamstring problems, but have not played since August. Ricardo Santos is expected to miss out again with a groin issue, meaning Pedersen will almost certainly stick with Yan Valery, Di’Shon Bernard, Liam Cooper and Reece James as his back four.
Midfield is where the smart money is on a tweak. Jaden Heskey is pushing hard to start after his influential cameo at Huddersfield and could replace Billy Mitchell. The Manchester City loanee offers greater athleticism and running power in the centre.
Expect Pedersen to also freshen things up out wide. There is a strong possibility Davis Keillor-Dunn will be handed a recall after making a positive impact off the bench last weekend. Is he an orthodox winger? No, but he carries a goal threat and would be given the licence to drift inside from the left flank into central areas to receive the ball on the half turn and make things happen. His ability to interchange with Callum Slattery in the No 10 role adds another layer of flexibility. As for the right wing, Kieran Morrison should get another opportunity to showcase his pace and directness.
Then there is the loan puzzle. Ali Al-Hamadi set to be fit and available to face his former club. With Mason Burstow having failed to impress since moving to S6, this could be the week he drops out of the matchday squad.
Jamal Lowe has to start in attack, having notched seven goals in 12 appearances this season.
Predicted Owls line-up vs AFC Wimbledon (4-2-3-1): Lumley; Valery, Bernard, Cooper, James; Heskey, Bannan; Morrison, Slattery, Keillor-Dunn; Lowe.
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@Dom Howson do you really think we should swap Heskey for Mitchell? He looks to be our best midfielder this season.
The real issue to me is the wingers hugging the touchline with no one showing up in those half spaces. James tried to underlap against Huddersfield but wasn’t really effective.
Joe, I found your article to be well written as always, but also quite depressing. Once again, it seems that we’re going to shoehorn DKD into a position where he isn’t used to the best of his abilities, and Jamal Lowe is held up as undroppable. Strip out the penalties, and then explain why he is so seemingly essential?
We had a ‘proper’ pre-season, and are now well into the season, but I still have an uncomfortable feeling that Henrik knows neither his best formation nor his best first team.