Preview: Owls v Blackpool

Wednesday go from one tough Christmas fixture to another on Monday with a trip to in-form Blackpool, a side who've become a shock play-off hopeful in the Championship this season.

The Owls will be looking to take their improved performance from the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United on Boxing Day into the clash with Ian Holloway's men.

But the Tangerine army will have a confidence boost of their own going into Monday's game, having seen off Derby County 2-0 on Saturday.

Sean McAuley told the official SWFC website:

'We have to make every game a cup final from now on.

Going into the Swansea game we looked at Swansea, Newcastle and Blackpool as a group of three games. Prior to that the players had got two points out of a possible 27; looking at the three games together three points out of three games would have been a massive improvement.

We now have one, we are going to Blackpool on Monday and if we get four points from these three games then that is more than success in our current situation. If we get a draw at Blackpool then it is also progress because two points from nine is better than two from 27.'

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway will welcome back David Vaughan after he sat out the 2-0 win at Derby County through suspension, though Holloway will have to decide whether to stick with his winning formula, or welcome the former Crewe man back into the squad.

Former Barnsley man Daniel Nardiello will be keen to take part, although he could well be forced to accept a place on the bench.

Barry Bannan could also force his way into the starting line-up, despite the performance of Brett Ormerod at Pride Park.

Charlie Adam will also undergo a late fitness test after the Scot picked up a virus.

Adam will have a late fitness test after picking up a virus in midweek, but he'll be a crucial cog in Blackpool's starting line-up should he get the nod to start. One to watch,

Wednesday caretaker boss Sean McAuley will be without striker Luke Varney after his loan deal at S6 ended.

The former Crewe man, on loan from Derby County, was set to end his loan stint at S6 following the Blackpool match, but his booking against Newcastle rules him out of the trip through suspension.

Leon Clarke and Francis Jeffers will both be pushing for starts in Varney's place, although McAuley could well favour Clarke thanks to his more recent match fitness.

Other than that, he's set to name an unchanged starting eleven following the impressive performance against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

Wednesday will need goals, especially now Varney has returned from his loan spell to Derby, and Tudgay will have to show the form of last season to help the Owls out of their current lowly position in the league table.

Head-To-Head:

Blackpool wins: 24

Wednesday wins: 37

Draws: 13

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 1-1 Blackpool

Hillsborough, 26/12/08

Bartosz Slusarski rescued a point for Wednesday in their Boxing Day fixture against Blackpool last year. Alan Gow had given the visitors the lead from the penalty spot minutes into the second half before Slusarski's leveller not long after.

v Crystal Palace (H, FA Cup) - 02/01/10

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