Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Burton Albion at Hillsborough on Saturday afternoon.
Darren Moore’s side have lost ground in the automatic promotion race after dropping points against Lincoln City and Bristol Rovers in their last two outings, which has increased the gap to second-placed Ipswich Town.
The Owls looked vulnerable at the back against Joey Barton’s side in midweek but should be in confident mood ahead of the visit of Burton, with Dino Maamria’s side occupying a relegation spot in the third tier.
Here is how we at Football FanCast expect Moore to line his side up, with two changes from the side that started against Bristol Rovers in midweek.
David Stockdale unsurprisingly keeps his place in goal after some excellent saves kept the scores level in midweek.
The lack of centre-back options, due to the injuries suffered by Ben Heneghan and Reece James, as well as Michael Ihiekwe’s suspension, should see Moore revert back to the 4-2-2-2 formation he has utilised in recent home fixtures.
Mark McGuinness keeps his place at centre-back and is partnered by Dominic Iorfa, who will be looking to seize a rare opportunity to get back tot his best in the absence of usual centre-backs Ihiekwe and Heneghan.
Are you confident of a win against Burton?
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This sees the “promising” Jaden Brown drop to the bench after he looked uncomfortable featuring as a centre-back in the 3-4-1-2 formation on Wednesday evening.
Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson drop deeper as more natural full-backs, with Barry Bannan and George Byers likely to continue their partnership in midfield.
In attacking midfield, Josh Windass will likely keep his place but is supported by Tyreeq Bakinson, who returns to the side after dropping out on Wednesday night.
Finally, Lee Gregory and Michael Smith will look to cause Burton’s defence problems on Saturday, with the experienced duo scoring all of Wednesday’s goals between them in the last three fixtures.
