Preview: Owls v Forest

Wednesday will be in the unusual situation of being hot favourites when rock-bottom Forest make the trip to Hillsborough on Tuesday night.

But Wednesdayites know all too well that these situations often don't pan out as they should, and Brian Laws will also be wary that Forest will be keen to start picking up points.

Wednesday have made an impressive start to the season, having gone unbeaten at home in the league so far, while Forest have yet to pick up a win on their travels as they struggle to adjust to life in the Championship.

Brian Laws told the Sheffield Star:

'Three games in a week is a tall order for a small squad; we'll be stretched again tomorrow and at Plymouth on Saturday.

'There is a real belief in the team.

'That (climbing up the table) will give them a real confidence boost going into our home game.'

Owls boss Brian Laws could have both welcome and unwelcome selection headaches ahead of the visit of Forest.

Laws has voiced concerns over his wafer-thin squad, but could have the perfect replacement for Saturday's goalscorer Wade Small in Etienne Esajas, who only made the bench on Saturday.

The Dutchman's fresh legs could see him come in on the wing, while Jimmy Smith could also be an option in the centre of midfield should Steve Watson need a rest.

It's still likely to be too early for Francis Jeffers to make his first league start of the season, while Laws is likely to stick with centre-back pairing of Tommy Spurr and Richard Wood with Mark Beevers missing through injury.

The former Derby man has been in top form for the Owls and will be keen to continue that, as well as get one over his former rivals on Tuesday night.

Forest will be missing two key players in centre-back Wes Morgan, who will sit in the stands through suspension, while star striker Rob Earnshaw will also be missing through injury.

But boss Colin Calderwood will welcome back midfielder Matt Thornhill to the starting eleven after he served his suspension, and former Blades loanee Lee Martin could also return.

Nathan Tyson, once linked with a move to S6 under former boss Paul Sturrock is likely to start against the Owls.

Tyson was top marksman for Forest in recent seasons, and with Rob Earnshaw out through injury, Forest fans will be hoping he can make the step up to bag the goals required in the Championship.

Head-To-Head:

Wednesday wins: 54
Forest wins: 47
Draws: 25

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 2-0 Forest

Hillsborough, 26/12/2002

Wednesday made up for their 4-0 drubbing at the City Ground earlier that season by giving Owls' fans some Christmas cheer with a 2-0 win on Boxing Day at S6. Gerald Sibon and Alan Johnston grabbed the goals.

Previous Line-Ups:

Wednesday: Grant, McMahon, Spurr, Wood, Gilbert, Small (Esajas 63), McAllister, Watson (Smith 69), O'Connor, Johnson (Burton 55), Tudgay. Subs Not Used: Jeffers, Clarke.

Forest: Smith, Chambers, Wilson, Morgan, Bennett, Perch (McCleary 46), Cohen, Moussi, Martin (Davies 67), Tyson, Cole.
Subs Not Used: Lynch, Breckin, Sinclair.

v Plymouth Argyle (A) - 04/10/08

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