WEDNESDAY ON SUNDAY: OWLS FORM
Promoted last season after finishing as runners-up to League One Champions Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday began 2012/13 where they finished off in May. They won two and drew one of their first three Championship matches, scoring eight goals – but it although they reached the Third Round of the Capital One Cup, the Owls had a disappointing September, losing all five League games played during that month.
The run continued, as Wednesday didn’t win again until late October, having gone nine League matches without victory. There were encouraging signs in late October/early November with consecutive wins against Ipswich (3-0 away) and Peterborough (2-1 at home), but since then it has been five consecutive defeats, culminating in last Tuesday’s 4-1 home reverse against Watford after Wednesday had been ahead early on. Poor second half performances in the last two matches – at home to Leicester City and Watford – have proved costly, and they are currently in 23rd position.
Former Bluebird Jay Bothroyd, signed on loan from Queen’s Park Rangers in early-September, has scored once in fourteen appearances, while midfielder Ross Barkley, who was on loan from Everton from mid-September was recently recalled by the Merseyside club. Defender Martin Taylor, signed from Watford at the end of August, has not had a regular starting place, and latest arrivals are winger/full-back Jeremy Helan on loan from Manchester City, and forward Mamady Sidibe on loan from Stoke City – both have played in the last two matches.
Tickets for the game are still available. Either buy online now or call 0845 345 1400.
Wednesday’s line-up against Watford on Tuesday: Kirkland, Buxton (sub Johnson J.), Gardner (sub Taylor), Lines, Llera, Antonio, McCabe (sub Semedo), Corry, Helan, Bothroyd, Sidibe. Subs not used – Bywater (gk), Jones, Mayor, O’Grady
