Preview: SWFC Vs Burnley

With two successive victories under their belt, the Owls will be looking to make it three wins out of three as a Burnley side who have only won away three times this season are the visitors to Hillsborough. With relegation candidates Millwall and Brighton playing each other, three points against the Clarets could prove decisive in the Owls season.

Paul Sturrock told the official SWFC site:

"I would like to think we could go undefeated from now until the end of the season. That would be my aim and I'll be saying that to the players tomorrow. Looking at the fixtures, I do feel we could be capable of that."

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill told the BFC official site:

"I'm pleased for them because they're a good club and I'm pleased for Paul Sturrock. I've had a few battles with him when he was at Plymouth and I was at Cheltenham and he's a good character."

"He's done a good job there and I think he probably got them up a year early last season, because when he went there they were mid-table and not really going anywhere."

"But he's gone in and done a fantastic job so i take my hat off to him and I certainly hope they go on and do well after Saturday."

Wednesday will be without defender Peter Gilbert who suffered a devastating blow by learning he will be sidelined for the rest of the year. John Hills replaced Gilbert when he was taken off in the 3-1 victory over Wolves at the weekend, and is likely to continue in his place after recovering from an injury.

Paul Sturrock faces no fresh injury concerns going into the match with the Clarets, and could even be boosted by the news that loanees Scott Carson and Mikkel Bischoff will be able to extend their deals until the end of the season.

Last seasons player of the year Jon-Paul McGovern is likely to be included on the bench again, and may even make a second half appearances for the Owls. Fellow long-term injury absentee Steve Adams may make the bench after recovering from injury.

Last seasons top scorer Steve Maclean is likely to remain on the bench thanks to the fine form of strikers Deon Burton and Marcus Tudgay. The pair scored all three in last weeks 3-1 victory over Wolves and are forming a great partnership in attack.

The former Derby man has been in electric form in recent weeks for the Owls - bagging three goals in as many games and working well with strike partner Marcus Tudgay in attack. Burton's confidence should be sky-high following man-of-the-match performances and is likely to cause the Burnley defence all kinds of problems.

The Lancashire outfit found themselves in the play-off spots at Christmas, but now find themselves nearer the relegation trapdoor than the Premiership. The spirit has lifted around Turf Moor recently though with some shrewd loan signings and an improvement on the pitch.

Burnley boss Steve Cotterill may have to make changes to the side that drew with Southampton in midweek. Both Micah Hyde and John McGreal are still struggling for full fitness and may miss out.

Defender Wayne Thomas will sit out with a foot injury, and Danny Coyne is also definately ruled out of the fixture.

Loanee and former Sheffield United striker Andy Gray is set to continue upfront for the Clarets and is likely to produce the biggest threat to the Owls defence.

Former Sheffield United players always seem to get one over on the Owls - like Carl Asaba and Barry Hayles for example. Andy Gray is no exception, and is likely to be Burnley's biggest attacking threat at the weekend. His goals have given a new confidence to the Turf Moor side and he will be desperate to score against his former rivals.

Current Form:

SWFC: L-L-D-W-W

Burnley: L-L-L-W-D


Total Meetings:

Total Matches: 88
SWFC Wins: 36
Draws: 13
Burnley Wins: 39


Last Meeting:

31st December 2005

Burnley 1-2 Wednesday

An early Chris Eagles goal ended a long goal drought for the Owls and put them on the way to a valuable 2-1 win against high-flying Burnley. Graham Coughlan added a second in the second half but the Owls were made to sweat for the three points after a late Gareth O'Conner penalty meant a tense finish was on the cards.


Played For Both:

Lee Briscoe
Paul Smith
Craig Armstrong
Chris Waddle
Marlon Beresford
Danny Sonner
David Johnson
Chris Woods
David Reeves

Vs Crewe Alex (A) - 08/04/06

Vs Norwich City (H) - 15/04/06

Vs Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - 17/04/06