Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United: Big match preview

Key Battle - Glenn Loovens v Chris Wood

Wednesday’s defence is not quite as watertight as it was last season (no doubt because they are more committed going forward) but it is tight enough and only six teams have beaten them since the term began in August. If Wood is fit then Steve Evans will surely recall him and Leeds would like to see their centre-forward drive a bus through Wednesday’s centre-backs.

Key Man - Fernando Forestieri

Forestieri was one of the few transfer targets who slipped away from Leeds in the summer. Massimo Cellino wanted him but Forestieri never seemed keen and a move to Hillsborough materialised soon after. He’s averaging more than a goal from every two games in league fixtures and his assists stand at three. There’s no doubting his class in the Championship.

Last time at Hillsborough:

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Sheffield Wednesday 1 Leeds United 2

Goals: Wednesday - Maguire 36pen. Leeds - Taylor 57, Morison 72.

Phil Hay’s Verdict:

A second away game for United in five days, a second home fixture for Wednesday in the same timeframe. This is hardly a long trip from Leeds but Ipswich on Tuesday night was a tough, demanding - and ultimately demoralising - fixture and it’s no surprise that the odds are stacked in the Owls’ favour. A draw at Hillsborough is a good result these days - but United need more than that on Saturday.

Match Odds:

Home win - 10/11

Draw - 11/4

Away win - 7/2