Preview: Wolves v SWFC

Owls' caretaker boss Sean McAuley will be hoping to continue his 100 per cent winning record as Wednesday travel to Molineux to take on Mick McCarthy's high-flying Wolves on Saturday.

McAuley masterminded Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers last Saturday after the sacking of Paul Sturrock the previous Thursday - and the caretaker boss will be hoping for a repeat of last season's outing at Molineux which resulted in a 3-1 victory for Wednesday.

Owls caretaker boss Sean McAuley told the official SWFC site:

'They're (Wolves) a good side but they've had a disappointment at the weekend. They'll be looking to react positively from that in the first 15 minutes, especially being at home. They'll be a wounded animal.'

'We'll go with a game plan but if we sniff anything they're weak at, we'll go for it and exploit it. Also if they're strong on certain things, we've got to contain that.

'The [selection] decision will be slightly easier because of the performance on Saturday. They did well and deserve the chance to play again but you take it game by game.

'Deon trained on Thursday morning and we'll monitor that. Graham Coughlan will be checked again on Friday because he's had a virus as well as a hamstring strain. He's trained on Thursday morning but we'll wrap him up in cotton wool and leave it as late as possible.'

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy told the official Wolves site:

'These are strange times for Sheffield Wednesday. Every player will be out to impress either the caretaker manager,Sean McAuley,in case he gets the job, or there might be someone appointed, or about to be, who is watching the game.'

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has received a massive boost with the news that former Newcastle United striker Carl Cort could be set for a return to first team action after coming through the midweek reserve match unscathed.

McCarthy told the official Wolves site: 'If you get a centre forward of Carl's experience and ability back fit then he has to be in contention,' says manager Mick McCarthy. He did ok yesterday with no after affects and he will be in the squad on Saturday.'

But young midfielder Lewis Goburn is the main injury doubt for Wolves ahead of the clash. Goburn has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and is doubtful for the match.

Former Celtic player Jackie McNamara could make a welcome return for the Molineux club as he completes his comeback from a knee injury.

Former Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers hitman Bothroyd has been a big hit with the Molineux faithful after making the move north from Charlton Athletic in the summer. His lethal left foot has already been a match winner against Leeds United and has helped him net four goals from eight starts for Wolves this season.

Owls' caretaker boss Sean McAuley has the luxury of being able to field the same side that beat Queens Park Rangers last week with no fresh injury worries going in to the weekend clash.

Deon Burton should be fit for the Owls after proving himself in training this week while further boosts could come through the return of defender Graham Coughlan. The former Plymouth man has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and will undergo a late fitness test.

But Peter Gilbert and Richard Wood are still sidelined through injury and are likely to return in the coming weeks.

The former Derby County man could well be hitting top form for the Owls after opening his account with a brace against Queens Park Rangers last week. And it was the Tudgay and Burton show at Molineux last season as they scores all three goals in the Owls 3-1 demolition of McCarthy's men last season.

Last Time Out:

Wolves 1-3 WEDNESDAY

25th March 2006 - Molineux

Two goals from Marcus Tudgay and a Deon Burton strike helped Wednesday to a priceless victory over Wolves - their first in 14 years - which proved vital in the Owls' bid for survival, and left Wolves' dreams of promotion well and truly dead in the water. A certain Scott Carson provided the heroics in between the sticks for the Owls.

Total Meetings:

Wolves wins: 38
SWFC wins: 35
Draws: 29

Previous Line-ups:

Wednesday: Jones, Simek, Bougherra, Spurr, Hills, Small, Lunt, Folly, Brunt, Tudgay (Talbot 90), Burton (MacLean 40). Subs not used: Adamson, Bullen, Whelan.

Wolves: Murray, Edwards (Little 83), Breen, Craddock, Clapham, Ricketts, Henry, Potter (Craig Davies 72), Olofinjana, Bothroyd, Johnson (Clarke 63). Subs not used: Ikeme, Wheater.

Latest Form - Last 5

SWFC: W-L-W-L-L
Wolves: L-W-W-L-W

Match Betting:

-Taken from www.bet365.com-

Wolves win: 8/11
Draw: 9/4
SWFC win: 7/2

Championship Matches:

Burnley v Preston
Birmingham v West Brom
Barnsley v Coventry
Cardiff v Derby
Colchester v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Plymouth
Hull v Sunderland
Leeds v Southend
QPR v Leicester
Stoke v Norwich
Ipswich v Luton

Vs Crystal Palace (H) - 31/10/06

Vs Leicester City (H) - 04/11/06

Vs Ipswich Town (A) - 11/11/06

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