Preview: Owls v Scunthorpe

So many times Wednesday have been known to slip up against opposition they're maybe expected to beat after enjoying a good result, but Brian Laws will have extra reason to bag three points when he comes up against his former club for the first time.

Confidence is high in the Owls' camp following their impressive 4-2 victory away at Stoke City at the weekend and Owls fans will be looking for at least four points from their two home clashes this week - starting with the visit of the Iron tonight.

But Nigel Adkin's men won't be any pushovers as they make the trip to face their former gaffer - having made a good start to life in the Championship following promotion last term.

Brian Laws told the official SWFC site:

'We have had a good two weeks and have spoken a lot about the mental side of the football because I have got good players who are fit that have been savagely attacked because of the results in the first six games. But I thought their attitudes have been exceptional in the last two weeks, restoring belief in themselves. They have shown how much they want to win and do well for this football club.'

The biggest blow for Brian Laws ahead of the clash with his former club comes in the shape of Francis Jeffers, who is likely to be missing for the rest of 2007 after picking up an ankle injury in the victory over Stoke City at the weekend.

Deon Burton is likely to carry on his role alongside Marcus Tudgay in the Wednesday attack after the duo both impressed at the Britannia Stadium, netting vital goals along the way at the weekend.

But Laws will give Frank Simek and Steve Watson late fitness tests going in to the match, with the defensive duo both missing for the last few Wednesday games.

Should Simek return, Lee Bullen is likely to drop to the bench, while Laws will have a selection headache fitting Watson back in to the midfield.

Owls skipper Bullen was substituted at half-time for a bad error in the win at Stoke, and he could lose out to Richard Hinds.

The former Derby man hasn't had the best start to the season but his brace at Stoke could well see his season ignited. His partnership with Burton could well prove vital to any Owls win tonight.

Scunthorpe look to have a clean bill of health coming in to the clash with the Owls after coming though their 0-0 bore draw with Leicester City unscathed at the weekend.

But young prospect Alex Morfaw could well force his way back in to boss Nigel Adkins' squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

Another face returning to Hillsborough will be that of former goalkeeper Kevin Pressman, who is now on the coaching staff at Glanford Park.

The former Barnsley hitman will be keen to get one over on his former rivals, and keen to make an impression on the Iron faithful after making the switch from Barnsley.

Head-To-Head:

Wednesday wins: 4
Scunthorpe wins: 2
Draws: 3

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 4-0 Scunthorpe

Hillsborough, 20/01/2004

A brace apiece from Adam Proudlock and Mark Robins gave a rejuvinated Wednesday side all three points with ease against a lacklustre Scunthorpe side in the LDV Vans Trophy semi-final.

Current Form:

Wednesday: W-L-L-W-L

Scunthorpe: D-L-D-W-L

Previous Line-Ups:

Wednesday: Grant, Bullen (Hinds 46), Wood, Michael Johnson, Spurr, Jermaine Johnson (Sodje 88), Kavanagh, Whelan, O'Brien, Tudgay, Jeffers (Burton 34). Subs Not Used: Lunt, Esajas.

Scunthorpe: Murphy, Byrne, Crosby, Butler, Youga, Forte (May 74), Goodwin, Sparrow, Hurst, Hayes, Paterson. Subs Not Used: Lillis, Iriekpen, Taylor, Cork.

27/10/07 - Blackpool (H)

03/11/07 - Plymouth (A)

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