You must log in or register to see images
The Owls finished fourth last season but were beaten in the play-off semi-final by Huddersfield Town and got off to a poor start to this campaign going down 1-0 to Preston North End.
But that defeat is unlikely to worry manager Carlos Carvalhal too much as the Portuguese is one of the calmest managers in the division and knows that last year they only won one of their opening five league games. Ever since the former Beşiktaş manager walked through the door at Hillsborough the club has progressed to become one of the most consistent in the Championship.
In the last two years Sheffield Wednesday have finished in the top six, playing a pragmatic style of football that has gained many plaudits. If there’s been one criticism of the blue side of Sheffield it’s that they have twice failed to get over the final hurdle when Premier League football was within touching distance.
The Owls are blessed with a wide range of attacking options; you’ll be pushed hard to find four better strikers in the Championship than Steven Fletcher, Fernando Forrestieri, Gary Hooper and Jordan Rhodes but they are also very hardworking in midfield and defensively stable. Despite the undoubted attacking talent they possesses, it was actually their defence that provided the main strength of their team last season with only promoted clubs Newcastle and Brighton conceding less league goals.
They’ve only made one addition to the side so far this summer with George Boyd arriving from Burnley and the winger made his debut for the club in Saturday’s defeat at Preston North End.
They were disappointing at Deepdale last weekend but bounced back well in the Carabao Cup midweek defeating Chesterfield 4-1 despite going a goal behind in the first half.
Ian Holloway and his QPR side will be more than pleased with how the season has begun. After a convincing 2-0 victory over Reading in the league a much changed R’s side overcame a resilient Northampton team 1-0 in the Carabao Cup thanks to Yeni Ngbakoto’s close range finish.
Ollie will have been impressed with what he’s seen in both games but knows there’s still plenty of hard work to go come Saturday. However, the early signs are very positive with his players in great physical shape and implementing the pressing game expertly against the Royals last week.
Sheffield Wednesday did the double over Rangers last season and it’s been almost eight years since the R’s tasted victory at Hillsborough.
You must log in or register to see images
When and Where
Saturday 12th August, Hillsborough, 3pm kick-off.
Last Time Out
QPR 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday
This ended up being a crucial victory for Sheffield Wednesday in their quest to finish in the top six last season. The game took place on Easter Monday in April and the Owls took an early lead through Adam Reach’s fine finish. Rangers quickly equalised when Idrissa Sylla bundled the ball over the line but Sheffield Wednesday restored their lead midway through first half with a Daniel Pudil header. The second half was a tense affair, the R's heavily pinned Wednesday back but couldn’t force an equaliser.
Team News
Grant Hall (knee) and Jordan Cousins (hamstring) remain side-lined for the Hoops. Idrissa Sylla (head) is unavailable after taking a blow to the head against Northampton but Matt Smith (head) is OK despite requiring six stitches to his face in the same match. Holloway confirmed that Steven Caulker won't be considered whilst he continues to regain full match fitness.
Wednesday have no real injury problems to report. Striker Steven Fletcher is available despite a slight knock whilst Liam Palmer has resumed training.
You must log in or register to see images
Stats
- QPR’s head-to-head record reads: W20, D16, L30
- 3 - Number of goals Rangers have scored in the last five matches at Hillsborough
- 11- Number of games since Sheffield Wednesday have lost two games in a row
Manager's View Point
Ian Holloway: "I think Sheffield Wednesday away from home is going to be one of the toughest fixtures anybody could have this season. They have got a lot of expectation there now after how well they have done in the last two seasons. They do believe their club is on the rise, and that can bring its own pressure. We’ll go there and look to do what we do well, and that’s get in people’s faces, disrupt the way they play, and look to break off of that. Let’s have a look and see what we can do against a very competent, growing, Championship-challenging team."
Carlos Carvalhal: "This is the most important thing to me, the game tomorrow. We didn’t start well in the first game but did the complete opposite performance in the cup. With a very high level we gave a good answer and my expectation and challenge to the players is to continue what we did in the cup game. I am happy with the players I have and it is these players we must give confidence to, to achieve a good result tomorrow.”
Referee
Christopher Kavanagh: Takes charge of his first game this season.
You must log in or register to see images
