Sheffield Wednesday head into the weekend’s fixture against Brentford looking to build on their recent much-needed win over Charlton Athletic.

The Owls currently sit just two points behind sixth-placed Preston North End after their 3-1 win at the Valley last Saturday and looking to push on after a stuttering recent run.

The victory was their first since the 22nd of October and came at a time where Wednesday have slipped from flirting with the automatic promotion places to being outside the play-off places. In the meantime, the side has had to contend with major off-field distractions as the club looks to contest a charge from the EFL over breaches of profit and sustainability guidelines.

Wednesday are looking to put that charge behind them by focusing on the footballing matters at hand and their win over the Addicks will have eased some of the pressure surrounding the club heading into a hectic festive period.

Up next is a home fixture against in-form Brentford who are fresh from hitting seven past Luton Town.

Another test for Monk’s side but he will be hopeful for a positive result at Hillsborough, here, we take a look at the side we expect Monk to field against the Bees…

We expect Monk to continue in the same formation as usual in a standard 4-4-2 which has brought him relative success since his arrival in September.

In goal will be Cameron Dawson who has recently stepped in for Keiren Westwood following the Republic of Ireland international’s error against West Brom and subsequent shoulder injury. Dawson has stepped in and made a great case for staying as Monk’s first-choice with accomplished performances showing he has something to offer, with a contract renewal yet to be signed this season.

In defence will continue to be Moses Odubajo, Dominic Iorfa, Tom Lees, and Morgan Fox. There is no reason for any of these to be replaced at present with Liam Palmer still suspended at right-back, and Iorfa recently scooping the club’s Player of the Month award for November. Tom Lees obviously retains his spot in the side as the captain and Morgan Fox has done nothing to warrant being dropped at present after his return to the side in recent months has shown his credentials.

In midfield is expected to be Jacob Murphy, Sam Hutchinson, Barry Bannan, and Kadeem Harris. Fernando Forestieri started out wide in the win against Charlton but Monk has confirmed the forward picked up a knock in training and is unlikely to feature tomorrow against Brentford. In his place should be Murphy who provides the attack with natural width and balance to compliment Harris.

Playing up front is sure to be Steven Fletcher and Atdhe Nuhiu who both got on the scoresheet at the Valley on Saturday. Fletcher is proving his worth to the side as they push for promotion this season with eight goals and one assist, while Nuhiu will be looking to push on after scoring just his second of the season last time out.

The pair give Monk’s side a real focal point to play into and with the passing ability of those in midfield, they are sure to pose Brentford a serious threat throughout the game.