By Mark Robins
It’s been a great season for Sheffield Wednesday, regardless of what happens in the upcoming Championship Play-offs, but can it become even better?
The Owls confirmed their berth in the post season thanks to a 3-0 smashing of Cardiff City with a game to spare and, despite losing to Wolves on the final day of the season, have the quality necessary to end their sixteen year top flight draught.
Wednesday take on Brighton in their play-off semi-final, who narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after their draw with Middlesbrough, and will surely be downbeat after this demoralising draw, and losing Dale Stephens through suspension won’t help.
The Owls will be roared on by a full capacity Hillsborough crowd with over 33,000 home fans expected to act as the supposed 12th man. And the question must be asked whether Brighton can cope in front of such a hostile crowd, just six days after missing out on a direct trip to the Premier League?
Carlos Carvalhal’s men have performed well on the big occasions; beating Arsenal 3-0 earlier in the League Cup as well as their win against Cardiff.
In fact Wednesday haven’t lost in a home game with an attendance of 30,000 fans in over ten years and should they win their opening home game, a draw could be all they at Brighton to confirm their place at Wembley.
That’s not to say it will be easy: Brighton got 89 points over the regular season, a tally that would normally be enough to secure an automatic spot and there’s no doubting the Seagulls will prove tough opposition but can they respond from the disappointment of Saturday’s result?
Should the Owls claim victory in the semi-final they will face either Derby or Hull at Wembley.
Both sides will prove a tough challenge for Wednesday and it could come down to luck on the day, but both sides will know that, despite their lesser league position, it won’t be easy to overcome the Owls on their first trip to the new Wembley.
Carvalhal and his team have drawn twice against the Rams and Tigers and know they can match both teams, however will need to outdo their previous performances or risk the lottery of penalties.
Supporting the argument that Wednesday can outperform the other three sides is their lack of injuries and suspensions, only Hull will be able to field a full strength squad in the play-offs whilst Derby miss George Thorne through injury and Brighton are without suspended duo Dale Stephens and Lewis Dunk.
Arguably Wednesday could have finished higher this season had it not been for missing players: they were without Fernando Forestieri on three occasions due to suspensions and key midfielder Sam Hutchinson has had an injury plagued season, recently suffering from Glandular Fever.
But they go into the post season with a fully fit and fighting squad at their disposal- when at their best Wednesday are a force to be reckoned with.
I’m not saying that Sheffield Wednesday will coast through the play-offs; luck, refereeing decisions and unexpected injuries can all play their part, as will the quality of their opposition.
But there’s no doubting that they can cause a shock and claim their place amongst England’s elite once more.
Many bookies have them at a modest 4-1 to claim promotion and, ask me, it’s worth a bet.
Wednesday fans.... Confident? Let us know below!