Since Fernando Forestieri arrived at Sheffield Wednesday from Watford during the summer of 2015, he has become a firm fan favourite and is recognised as one of the best players in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Italian’s 15 goals and silky performances last season helped Carlos Carvalhal’s side reach the Play-Offs, in what was a memorable season for the South Yorkshire side.

There was heartache for the Owls at Wembley last season, where Carvalhal’s side were defeated 1-0 by Hull City in the Championship Play-Off final, denying Wednesday a first Premier League appearance since 2000.

Wednesday brought last season’s form into the current campaign, defeating well-fancied Aston Villa at Hillsborough on the opening day of the season, Forestieri scoring the winning goal.

Forestieri has again had a major impact on the Championship this season, scoring eight goals and assisting a further three, helping Wednesday toward another potential promotion challenge.

However, January saw Carvalhal strengthen his attacking options, putting Forestieri’s place in his favoured position, behind the striker, in doubt.

Sam Winnall and Jordan Rhodes joined the Owls, from Barnsley and Middlesbrough respectively, and both have great goal scoring pedigree at this level.

Winnall scored 11 times for the Tykes this season before his move across South Yorkshire and Rhodes bagged six goals in 18 appearances to help Boro to promotion last season.

Wednesday’s last two games saw victories against Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers, with Winnall and Rhodes partnering each other up front on both occasions.

Forestieri was used on the left-wing against Birmingham and came on as a second-half substitute against Blackburn.

Winnall and Rhodes both found themselves on the score sheet during the 3-0 victory over Birmingham last week, and looked to be striking up an impressive partnership.

This leaves question marks over whether Forestieri is guaranteed to start games for the Owls anymore.

Carvalhal may be looking at last season, where his side fell just short in the race for promotion, and making minor tweaks to his side, as they try to go one better in 2017 and get into the top-flight.

If Forestieri’s place in the Wednesday starting 11 is now under threat, there should be no doubting that the talented Italian will still feature in Carvalhal’s plans for the last three-months of the season.

Wednesday fans… Do you think Winnall and Rhodes are your best striking options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!