The 2017/18 campaign was a testing one for Sheffield Wednesday, who struggled to make an impact in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Owls finished 15th under Jos Luhukay, failing to challenge for the play-offs as they had done under Carlos Carvalhal in the previous two years.

It was a season of lows, with injuries working against Wednesday throughout the campaign, with key figures such as Fernando Forestieri and Barry Bannan missing a large chunk of the season.

However, towards the end of the season there was an upturn in performances, giving Luhukay something to build on this summer.

Defensive performances improved under Luhukay, who will again seek improvements ahead of next season.

If Wednesday are to be a success next season, they will need their defensive unit at their best, which is something Luhukay will be well aware of.

Here at FLW, we take a look at the potential defensive unit that could line up against Wigan on the opening day of next season…

Many will expect to see Keiren Westwood return as first choice goalkeeper, but the Irishman has real competition for the gloves next season.

Wildsmith impressed last season, as did Cameron Dawson.

Luhukay will probably make a decision over the course of pre-season as to who will be his No.1, but there is every chance it could be Wildsmith after a fantastic 2017/18 impact.

It was a 3-5-2 formation that Luhukay preferred last season, so we have stuck with that.

Included in that three-man defence will be Tom Lees, who will have huge role to play now Glenn Loovens has departed.

Batth won promotion with Wolves last season, but it remains to be seen if he features in their Premier League plans.

If he becomes available, Wednesday should make their move.

He’s comfortable in a back-three and has plenty of experience.

Van Aken impressed during his early days in a Wednesday shirt, before injury halted his involvement.

Next season, on the left of a defensive unit, van Aken has the opportunity to really step up and show the Championship what he’s capable of.