We preview the second leg EFL Championship play-off tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town.
The battle for Yorkshire supremacy took little further definition at the weekend following what was an extremely cagey 0-0 draw. Carlos Carvalhal will be by far the happier of the two managers, particularly after The Terriers dominated large segments of the game. A wonderful save from Westwood to deny Brown in the first half truly epitomised the steely determination that has come to define this Wednesday side. David Wagner’s side will need to up the tempo and simultaneously overcome a major hoodoo by beating what is fast becoming their arch-nemesis.
Sheffield Wednesday v Huddersfield | Wednesday 17 May | Hillsborough Stadium | 20:45
To Win (90 Mins)
Sheffield Wednesday 23/20 | Draw 21/10 | Huddersfield 5/2
Sheffield Wednesday
Marco Matias will be banned for this encounter while striker Gary Hooper looks set to miss out with a hamstring injury. Sam Hutchinson could return to the squad but may not quite make the run-on side. Wednesday’s stoic defence stands them in good stead for this tie. The Owls have only conceded 45 goals in their 46 league games, and they managed to weather major Huddersfield pressure at the weekend. Westwood was sensational in goal and Wednesday will feel confident going into this encounter.
The Owls will draw confidence from their playoff victory over Brighton a year ago. They seem to have a more balanced look to their side and will create more width at home. Expect Wallace and Reach to become a major factor in this leg.
Huddersfield
Huddersfield need to overcome what is becoming a lamentable record against The Owls. The Terriers have not won in their last eight matches against Wednesday, dating back to November 2013. And David Wagner will no doubt know that he perhaps missed his best opportunity in the home leg. Huddersfield have lost to nil in three of their last five away games, a stat that doesn’t bode well for this Yorkshire side. Danny Ward will make a welcome return to the side as he returns from what was a fairly absurd suspension. Chris Lowe should also be available despite picking up a knock at the weekend.
Other than that, Huddersfield will be hoping that their wealth of striking talent can penetrate a well-drilled Carlos Carvalhal side. Wells and Kachunga can be deadly in front of goal, but there is a worrying trend that has started with this side. Having won only three of their last eleven games, they are coming up against a Wednesday side bang in form. Wednesday won their last five games of the regular season and just seem to be on the opposite end of the form pendulum.
Verdict: Wednesday 23/20
While it may not be the sexiest bet in the history of sporting speculation, I think that it’s really safe money. Huddersfield have run out of steam and really had to score in their home tie. Carvalhal has inculcated a sense of optimism at the club and should see The Owls to Wembley.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Bet on this match now at Hollywoodbets.net! Haven’t got an account? Open one here!