Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday side are looking to break into the top two of League One this weekend as they travel to Pride Park to take on Derby County.
The Owls come into this game in fantastic form, having three straight league wins under their belt. Wednesday also secured a late 2-1 win against Mansfield in last Saturday’s FA Cup clash, and will face Newcastle United in the third round.
Wednesday sit one point below promotion, just behind Ipswich Town and league leaders Plymouth Argyle. Their hosts are also enjoying a run of good form, with the Rams unbeaten in their last five league matches.
Manager Darren Moore said: “‘Irrespective of what game or team we play, we are always looking to win the game, it’s always that mentality.”
Speaking of his familiarity with Derby having played there in his professional career, as well as their manager Paul Warne, the Wednesday boss said: “I understand the magnitude of the club, I know every corner of the club, so I understand the size and task of the job there.”
Cory, from the Derby County podcast Rams Review, said: “This is a massive game for Derby. A win would really serve as a catalyst for the next part of the season.
“I’d like to see Jason Knight start in midfield, as well as Tom Barkhuizen. They have both come back from injury and can be a real difference-maker for us.”
Moore and Warne have faced each other six times in their managerial careers, with both having three wins and three defeats respectively.
Both Wednesday and Derby are struggling with some injures. For the Rams, Curtis Davies and James Chester are both side-lined, with Erian Cashin, Craig Forsyth and Jake Rooney likely to form the back three.
For the Owls, Moore reported that George Byers is still recovering from injury, but Akin Famewo is now fully recovered and back in the squad.
Kick-off is at 12.30pm tomorrow at the Pride Park Stadium. Highlights will be shown on ITV4 at 10pm.
