‘Pool Welcome Wednesday

Alan Irvine brings his new Sheffield Wednesday team to Blackpool on Tuesday night looking to build on their 2-1 at Barnsley over the weekend.

The Owls’ new boss has a decent record at Bloomfield Road – winning and drawing once in the last two seasons with Preston.

Wednesday were devoid of all confidence before and after the sacking of Brian Laws. Whether they’re truly over their major crisis – no wins in 12 – remains to be seen.

The Yorkshire club do provide a tough test for Ian Holloway’s side, who are looking for a first home win since November themselves.

It is the Seasiders’ game in hand on teams around them, and a win will see them climb into the playoffs.

After tomorrow only Leicester City are the only team to have a game in hand, so after 25 games we should see a fair reflection of how things are currently standing in the race for the playoffs.

Vital Quotes:

Holloway on possible changes: ‘My team on Saturday was picked on the fact that QPR have a lot of flair.

‘I think the game against Sheffield Wednesday will be very different, more of a battle, so I’ll have to look at what I do regards selection.’

Wednesday winger Jermaine Johnson:
‘It was a great start and I think the boys played really well. That win means a lot to us because we can start to push up the table.

‘We’ve been feeling confident in training all week and it was good for us to show that in the game.

‘If you want to win you have to put in the work and we got our rewards against Barnsley.

‘We showed what we can do and now we need to do that in every game. We need to go to Blackpool and put in a similar performance and I’m sure we can get another three points.’

Blackpool Team News:

Billy Clarke is still out through injury and Hameur Bouazza is away on international duty with Algeria.

The back four is set to remain unchanged with Rob Edwards and Andy Butler likely to remain on the bench.

Up front Ben Burgess is likely to start, and Barry Bannan may give way on the wing.

Player to watch: Paul Rachubka

The goalkeeper has found himself reinstated as ‘Pool’s number one thanks to an illness to Matt Gilks in recent games.

There are still questions marks over his communication but Rabs’ shot-stopping ability is unquestionable.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News:

Midfielder Tommy Miller is out, as is Francis Jeffers.

However, some good news for Wednesday is the return to fitness of Leon Clarke, who looks set to take a place on the bench.

Goalkeeper Grant has pledged his future to the Hillsbrough club.

Player to watch: Jermaine Johnson

The fiesty winger could be a tricky prospect for Stephen Crainey.

His pace tears defences’ apart but end product is sometimes lacking.

He’ll be looking to build on his goal at the weekend.

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Next Fixtures:

Saturday January 23
Watford (H)
15:00