Preview: Owls v Charlton

Wednesday will look for an early Christmas present of three crucial points against Charlton Athletic at Hillsborough.

The Owls alleviated some pressure on boss Dave Jones last week with a close-fought 1-0 win at Barnsley and back-to-back wins would set Wednesday up nicely going into the festive fixture schedule.

A win could move the Owls out of the bottom three should other results also go their way, but they will be up against an Addicks side who have adapted to the Championship better than their hosts.

Addicks boss Chris Powell told the official Charlton website:

'It has been tough for them, but they need to show some faith and have some stability and Milan Mandarić is showing that.


'They got a result last week - although I don`t wan`t them to build on it. I want us to stop them building on a terrific result for them at Barnsley.


'So we will go there knowing it is a big arena, a tough place with a lot of support. They will be quite loud because they will be buoyant from the previous week, but it is up to us to withstand that and try to get a win to get us going again.'

Wins have been hard to come by for Wednesday in recent months so Owls boss Dave Jones could opt to stick with the same starting eleven that picked up crucial points at Oakwell last time out.

No fresh injury or suspension concerns are reported going into the match, despite strike Gary Madine limping off with a sligh knock at Barnsley.

Reda Johnson still remains sidelined through injury, as do Jay Bothroyd and Jose Semedo.

O'Grady bagged the winner last time out and he will be eager to do the same against the Addicks.

Charlton have been in fine form of late, although Bolton Wanderers ended their seven-match unbeaten run last weekend and boss Chris Powell will be eager for his men to return to winning ways.

Powell is not expected to tinker with his side too much following the set-back, however.

He will be without the injured Ricardo Fuller, Rhoys Wiggins and Andy Hughes.

Morrison had a brief and unsuccessful spell at Wednesday before moving on to help Charlton to promotion last season.

Form:

Wednesday: W-L-L-L-L

Charlton: L-D-D-W-D

Head-to-Head:

Wednesday wins: 18

Charlton wins: 17

Draws: 12

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 0-1 Charlton

Hillsborough, 14/1/12

A first-half Johnnie Jackson free-kick was enough to give the Addicks all three points at Hillsborough last season.

v Bolton (A) - 26/12/12

v Huddersfield (A) - 29/12/12

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