Club football is back! Just two days to go! Confidence seems to be fairly high in the Wednesday camp, having beaten Villa away last time out, but as a whole, their season has been inconsistent; so far falling short of pre-season expectations of a shot of automatic promotion, with a playoff spot the minimum expectation. There's no doubting the strength of their squad, with many established stars such as Barry Bannan, Jordan Rhodes and Gary Hooper, complimented by real depth, so if they play to their potential, many sides will struggle to contain them and they have only lost once at home this season. That said, there seems to be a simmering sense of unrest, with some even suggesting manager Carlos Carvalhal should be moved on. Hillsborough will be a tough place to go, but it could be that if we stifle them, or even take a lead that the atmosphere will become negative and actually be a bonus for us. I think any points earned would be good - it could well be that come the end of the season that we're direct rivals for a playoff spot. Head suggests that we'll narrowly miss out here (maybe 1-2), but perhaps a greater than average chance of us springing a surprise.
Always difficult to play there. I used to be the Head Office Representative for the Sheffield Halifax Road Gateway store when I worked for them back in the day - you can see Hillsborough from there! I would be happy with a draw tbh
Unbeaten in their last three outings, the Owls host Johnson's side on Saturday (3pm kick-off) as the Sky Bet Championship returns following November's international fixtures. Speaking to BCTV, Johnson discussed the strength in depth of both teams, the Hillsborough atmosphere and the chance to add more points to the Robins' league tally. He said: "I think the international break treated us all well. It has been a tough period - mentally and physically - for everybody, so to get three or four days away from being in each other's pockets was good. "The first day of training on Monday I thought we looked a bit sloppy and we had to liven the players up a bit on Tuesday and Wednesday and those sessions have been good. "They are a good side. They have a big resource for the division, they've got players who are very experienced and have quality all over the pitch. "You look at the likes of [Jordan] Rhodes, [Barry] Bannon and they've spent a lot of money. They have [Gary] Hooper up front and they have a lot of options with [Ross] Wallace wide and midfielders in abundance. "They are a good side and we know we will have to be at our best but we are in a good place. "We're a little under the weather as far as a full-strength squad is concerned but we feel the younger players are getting better all of the time. Our bench is now very youthful. Before it was experience and now it's youthful but that's fine. "Our first 18 are still strong and if we go there and give it our best then it gives us every chance of getting a result." Well IMO we may just struggle with this one had massive / wiz been doing there compos would have gone for an H or 3-0 ! ANY away game should be a win against bottom 6 or 7 at least a draw teams 8th /9th to 18th and be prepared to lose or snatch points from top 6 or 7 >.>.>.>.> A DRAW
INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS City's head coach reported "a few niggles in the camp" ahead of travelling up to Sheffield today (Friday) in preparation for the match. Jamie Paterson is back from a hamstring injury, while Nathan Baker has now fully shaken off his knee injury. Bailey Wright will serve the second of two-game suspension, imposed by The FA for "the successful deception of a match official".
Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal has no new injury or suspension concerns. The Portuguese could name the same side that beat Aston Villa 2-1. Bristol City midfielder Jamie Paterson is available after recovering from a hamstring injury, while defender Nathan Baker is also fully fit following a knee problem. Hordur Magnusson has returned from international duty with Iceland, but captain Bailey Wright is suspended. Gustav Engvall's loan spell with Swedish side Djurgardens has finished, but the striker will not be able to play for the Robins until 1 January because of registration rules. SAM's prediction Home win 50% Draw 27% Away win 23% Match facts Sheffield Wednesday have beaten Bristol City at Hillsborough in each of their last two league campaigns, winning 2-0 in 2015-16 and 3-2 last season. The Robins have only lost two of their last 13 league matches against the Owls (W6 D5). Jordan Rhodes has been involved in five goals in three previous league appearances against Bristol City (four goals, one assist). Bristol City have scored more set piece goals than any other side in the Championship this season (11). Sheffield Wednesday are the only Championship team yet to concede a headed goal this season, while no side has scored more via this method than Bristol City (6). 19 of the Robins' goals this season have been scored by Englishmen, more than any other side in the division.
Another good away point I didn't think we would get. Good to see better resilence after the international break this time. We need to back it up now with 3 points against PNE and other point (at least) away to Hull will be a good week. Villa and Boro starting to move up now, but us Cardiff and Sheff Utd are still defying the pre-season odds, pundits and everyone else.
Delighted with the point but watching the highlights we were lucky not to have conceded a penalty - they had 2 decent shouts. Still, I’ll take the luck when it’s offered - we haven’t had much over the years.
Thought the Magnusson one would have been harsh! it was a bit soft but seen them given. The Baker one was prob a pen.
