Preview: Swindon Town v Owls

Wednesday will be hoping they're not frozen out for a second time in five days tomorrow when they visit Swindon Town looking to bounce back from a first defeat in seven games.

The Owls bowed out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Carlisle United in midweek, in freezing conditions, and they'll be hoping for a warmer outcome at The County Ground as they aim to continue their top form in npower League One.

Wednesday could move up to second in the table should they win and other results go their way, but former Owl Danny Wilson is in charge of Swindon and he'll be looking to get one over on his former club.

Swindon boss Danny Wilson told The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

"(Beating Sheffield Wednesday) wouldn`t give me any satisfaction because of that. Satisfaction is given to me by results at present.

"You can`t do anything about what`s happened before or look back. We look forward and look forward to our results here.

"Yes, it is an ex-club and you always want to do well, but that`s an individual thing and nothing that the boys have to do anything about or know about.

"It would give me great pleasure to get three points full stop, but mainly for the reasons of the position it could put us in the league."

Swindon skipper Jonathan Douglas remains a doubt through a groin injury and his absence could be a big blow for Town ahead of Saturday's clash.

Douglas will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness, but he's expected to miss out on a starting place.

But striker Vincent Pericard is expected to start, as is defender Kevin Amankwaah, after the pair recovered from recent injuries, while former Owls stopper David Lucas is also fit and available for selection.

Former Wednesday winger Jon-Paul McGovern is set to feature against Wednesday for the first time since he left the club - and is sure to get a warm reception from the travelling Wednesdayites in Wiltshire.

The former Owls winger is set to feature against his former club for the first time and will no doubt have a bit extra to his game. JP was a fans' favourite at Hillsborough and helped the Owls to promotion from this division in 2005.

Wednesday's biggest doubt is over leading scorer Neil Mellor, who sustained an ankle injury in the JP Trophy exit at Carlisle United in midweek.

Although the injury isn't as bad as first feared, the on-loan striker could be forced to sit this one out, giving Paul Heffernan a shot in attacking alongside Clinton Morrison.

Jermaine Johnson could also be pushed up front too, something which boss Alan Irvine has favoured since his arrival.

Gary Teale is set to return to the starting eleven after he was rested for the clash at Brunton Park.

But defenders Lewis Buxton and Jon Otsemobor remain doubts, meaning Tommy Spurr could continue at right-back while Daniel Jones fills in at left-back.

Giles Coke and James O'Connor will be pushing for starts following the poor midweek showing, where they could only make the bench.

Wednesday's were all over the place defensively in midweek, and Owls skipper Purse will need to call on his years of experience to help the Owls be back to their best at the back this Saturday, in a bid to get much-needed points.

Form:

Swindon: D-L-D-W-D

Wednesday: L-W-W-W-W

Head-To-Head:

Swindon wins: 12

Wednesday wins: 14

Draws: 6

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 2-0 Swindon

Hillsborough, 08/01/2005

Joey O'Brien and Kenwyn Jones bagged the goals as Wednesday saw off Swindon the last time the two sides met in 2005. It was the year Wednesday won promotion and they were in the middle of a fine run of form.

v Bristol Rovers (H) - 11/12/10

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