Newcastle United face a tough trip to Hillsborough this weekend, with Rafa Benitez’s side set to do battle with Carlos Carvalhal’s Sheffield Wednesday in the televised late kick off tomorrow night.
The game represents a clash between two sides looking to boost their promotion pushes over the coming weeks.
With 6 games to go, Newcastle are looking to extend their lead at the top of the Championship in a bid to secure automatic promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
While automatic promotion may be out of sight for the hosts, 6th place Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to consolidate their position in the table, in hope of securing another precious spot in this seasons play offs.
Form
A week ago the Magpies were without a win in three after two draws and a defeat. Back to back home wins over Wigan and Burton has seen Rafa’s men make a timely return to form over the past week, however.
Similarly to Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday had endured a rough patch, being without a win in their last four prior to Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Rotherham.
Given their imperious away form this term, yet another away win could be on the cards for Benitez’s side, with odds of 7/5 being offered for Newcastle’s opposition.
Team news
Ciaran Clark (knee) and DeAndre Yedlin (thigh) look set to miss out once again for the Magpies.
Isaac Hayden (ankle) and Jack Colback (illness) missed out on Wednesday’s win over Burton, however the pair are in contention for a return to the Newcastle squad for tomorrow’s trip to Hillsborough.
Chancel Mbemba was handed his first start of 2017 in midweek but Grant Hanley is likely to make a return to the side. Likewise Yoan Gouffran, who is likely to replace Christian Atsu in the Newcastle XI.
Sheffield Wednesday look set to be boosted by the return of star man, Fernando Forestieri, who is expected to start after missing the Owls previous four in the league.
Vincent Sasso will also be available once again for the hosts after serving his three-match ban.
Midfielder duo Almen Abdi and Kieran Lee remain long-term absentees and will miss out once again.
Predicted line-ups
Newcastle United – (4-2-3-1) – Darlow – Anita, Lascelles, Hanley, Dummett – Shelvey, Colback – Ritchie, Diame, Gouffran – Gayle.
Sheffield Wednesday – (4-4-2) – Westwood – Hunt, Lees, Loovens, Fox – Wallace, Bannan, Hutchinson, Reach – Forestieri, Fletcher.
It looks set to be a packed out crowd at Hillsborough and could well be a tight affair, with Newcastle looking for revenge following Sheffield Wednesday’s 1-0 win at St. James’ earlier in the season.
