Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to book their spot in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon as they take on Mansfield Town at Hillsborough.
Darren Moore’s side earned their place in the second round with a 2-0 win over Morecambe and will be confident once again this weekend as they take on lower-league opposition after some strong recent displays.
The Owls may well be prioritising an automatic promotion push in League One but this represents an excellent opportunity for a potentially money-spinning cup run, so Moore should pick a strong side against The Stags.
Here is how Football FanCast expects the Owls to line up at Hillsborough this weekend, with five changes from the team that started last weekend’s 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town.
Sheffield Wednesday XI (4-3-3): Dawson, Palmer, Ihiekwe, McGuinness, James, Vaulks, Bakinson, Bannan, Mighten, Wilks, Gregory
After missing the first round with a concussion, second-choice goalkeeper Cameron Dawson should be given an opportunity to start on Saturday, with David Stockdale dropping to the bench.
Dominic Iorfa limped off against Shrewsbury Town so the “man mountain” isn’t risked despite some strong recent form at right-back, with Liam Palmer replacing him.
The rest of the back four remains the same after the Owls’ resolute defence kept yet another clean sheet against the Shrews last time out.
There is one change in midfield, as Will Vaulks comes back into the team alongside Barry Bannan and Tyreeq Bakinson, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru dropping out.
Alex Mighten’s strong recent form sees him keep his place on the wing, with Malik Wilks earning a rare start on the other side in the likely absence of Josh Windass, who also limped off last time out.
They support Lee Gregory up front, as the veteran striker replaces Michael Smith after being on the bench for recent fixtures.
