Preview: Owls v Ipswich

Wednesday face arguably their biggest game of the season so far when relegation rivals Ipswich Town visit Hillsborough on Saturday.

Both sides have been battling against the drop all season and three points at S6 could prove crucial to the survival hopes of both sides.

Defeat against Doncaster Rovers in midweek for Wednesday while a loss at Peterborough United for Roy Keane's Tractor Boys will mean both sides are even more desperate for maximum spoils this weekend.

Alan Irvine told the official SWFC website:

'It's important that we bounce back but it won't be easy because none of the games in this division are easy. But one thing about being a Championship professional footballer is that you have to have the character and the mental strength to recover from low points.

'Obviously, we were very disappointed with how it went against Doncaster, it could have been a very different game had we taken a couple of chances that we had at 0-0.

'We not have to recover from that and I'm sure the players will do so.'

Irvine has no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of the visit of Roy Keane's men but could ring the changes following the disappointing defeat against Doncaster Rovers in midweek.

With the exception of just a few, a number of Owls players could be up for the chop following poor performances against Rovers.

Leon Clarke, Etienne Esajas and Sean McAllister will all be hoping they can bag a rare start under Irvine, although he could stick with the same squad in the hope that they bounce back.

Jermaine Johnson and Lewis Buxton remain the only absentees through injury.

The midfield battle will be crucial against a side managed by one of the Premier League's best at it - Roy Keane. I find it strange mentioned our own 'ginger Messi' alongside Keane, but his performance will be key in any Owls success tomorrow.

Ipswich boss Keane also hasd no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the trip to South Yorkshire.

A defeat at Peterborough in midweek could well have been Town's poorest result of the season and the former Manchester United skipper could make changes to his side at Hillsborough.

Town sit in the final relegation spot but victory could see them leapfrog Wednesday and move out of the bottom three.

Murphy spent a loan spell at Wednesday a few years ago but will be looking to find the back of the net for Town during his loan stint with the club from Sunderland. Town have needed to turn possession into goals of late and they'll be hoping Murphy, who worked with Keane at the Black Cats, can be that man.

Head-to-Head:

Wednesday wins: 16

Ipswich wins: 14

Draws: 8

Last Time Out:

Ipswich 0-0 Wednesday

Portman Road, 21/11/09

The clash last time out was screened live on Sky TV but it was far from an entertaining clash as both sides battled out a dull 0-0 stalemate. Both sides did have chances to win it, especially the Owls late on, but it wasn't to be. Hopefully a better game will be in store this time!

Form:

Wednesday: L-W-L-W-L

Ipswich: L-W-D-L-D

v Reading (A) - 27/02/10

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Spain