Preview: Burnley Vs SWFC

Wednesday face a difficult challenge on the final day of an eventful 2005, as they travel to Turf Moor to face promotion chasing Burnley. The last time the two sides met, Wednesday ran out 7-2 winners - if only the same could happen again.

Owls skipper Glenn Whelen said:

'Some of us have to look at ourselves to try and change it. If we want it that much, we have to put more in.

'It was another disappointing night for us (against Wolves). We played some decent stuff in parts of the game but it's not good enough. We hit the post and their keeper made a few good saves but we haven't scored again. If we don't score, we're not going to win games.'

John Spicer is the major doubt for the hosts, after being forced off with an injury during Wednesday night's defeat at Norwich City.

Defender Wayne Thomas may return to the starting 11 following the successful 45 minutes he played against the Canaries.

After poor spells with Leciester City and Crystal Palace, Akinbye has re-captured the form that made him a £5 million mover to the Foxes from Wolves. Akinbye has bagged 16 goals in his 35 appearances for the Clarets after a £600,000 move in February of 2005. Akinbye is the Championships top scorer thus far - with 14 goals to his name.

Fans favourite Frankie Simek will be sitting the final game of 2005 out after receiving his fifth booking against Wolves in midweek. Wednesday don't have a ready-made right-back to fill the gap, but left-back John Hills is available again after injury and may deputise. Drissa Diallo could be another option, and would jump at the chance returning to his former club.

Striker Lee Peacock will be hoping for a start after featuring as a substitute in the previous two games. Peacock has had to shake off a neck injury but looks set to be available for selection.

Hot prospect Danny Reet waas re-called from his successful loan spell at Bury this week, and is likely to go straight in to Paul Sturrock's squad. Reet has never featured in a first team game for the Owls, but may feature against the Clarets in a bid to end Wednesday's goal drought.

Brunt has been used as a substitute over the past few games, but poses the biggest threat as he showed when he came on against Wolves.

The Northern-Irish international has a lethal left foot which he has already used to good effect this season - leading the Owls goalscoring charts with five goals so far this season.

Total Meetings:

Burnley: 39 wins
Wednesday: 35 wins
Draws: 13


Last Meeting:

Burnley 2-7 Wednesday

Yes, you read it correct, Wednesday beat the Clarets 7-2 in April 2003. The last day of the 2002/2003 season and Wednesday were already relegated to League One . Looks like they saved all their goals for the final game of the season!


Current Form:

Burnley - D,L,W,W,L

Wednesday - L,L,L,D,L


Played For Both:

Lee Briscoe, Chris Woods, Chris Waddle, Danny Sonner, Marlon Beresford, Craig Armstrong, Paul Smith, David Johnson.

Vs Crewe Alexandre (H) - 02/01/06

Vs Charlton Athletic (H - FA Cup) - 07/01/06

Vs Leicester City (H) - 14/01/06

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