Preview: Owls v Charlton Athletic

Wednesday face one of the biggest matches of their season so far this weekend when League One leaders Charlton Athletic visit Hillsborough.

The Addicks have set the pace in the first half of the season but Gary Megson and his men will be hoping to close the gap and move back into the automatic promotion spots with victory over Chris Powell's men.

Draws have been the order of the day in Wednesday's other big matches so far - Huddersfield Town, Sheffield United and Charlton away - but three points will be the target as the League One promotion race hots up.

Hillsborough's set to be rocking by a bumper crowd.

New Owls signing Mike Jones told the official SWFC website:

'If the manager asks me to be involved on Saturday I'll be completely ready. It's something I will look forward to and embrace.

'I've seen how good the support is at this club from when I was at Bury and I can't wait to experience that as a Wednesday player.'

Wednesday could include new signing Mike Jones in their squad. The winger signed for an undisclosed fee from Bury this week and may have to settle for a place on the bench in his first game for the club.

Julian Bennett is unlikely to feature after sustaining a facial injury in last week's FA Cup win over West Ham, but Reda Johnson would have been expected to return to left-back regardless.

Miguel Llera is eligible to feature after signing a permanent deal but skipper Rob Jones and Danny Batth are expected to star at the heart of the Owls defence.

Gary Madine and Lewis Buxton have both returned to training after sitting out through injury but Saturday's visit of the London club is expected to be too early for a return to the squad.

Jones is expected to be part of the squad following his switch from Bury this week and Owls fans will be eager to see his play for the first time, having not known too much about the former Tranmere Rovers product.

Striker Danny Haynes could make a swift return to South Yorkshire after signing for the Addicks from Barnsley this week.

Chris Powell has also bolstered his attacking options with former Owl Leon Clarke, adding to Yann Kermorgant and Bradley Wright-Phillips, who've impressed throughout this season for Charlton.

Defender Leon Cort also made a permanent switch to The Valley this week and will be eligible to feature.

The former Plymouth Argyle striker is Charlton's leading scorer with 14 league goals so far this season and will be looking to add to his tally at Hillsborough.

Form:

Wednesday: W-W-W-L-D

Charlton: L-W-L-W-D

Head-to-Head:

Wednesday wins: 18

Charlton wins: 13

Draws: 12

Last Time Out:

Charlton 1-1 Wednesday

The Valley, 5/9/11

The Owls came from a goal down to take a share of the spoils earlier in the season at The Valley. Wright-Phillips gave the hosts an early lead before substitute Clinton Morrison rescued a point ten minutes into the second half.

v Hartlepool United (H) - 21/1/12

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