It would be easy to look at the league table ahead of the Steel City derby and expect this to be a drab, low spirited affair, however, I think that the atmosphere is going to be electric for this. Hillsborough should be close to capacity, a far cry from many of the recent home matches under the, now removed, Chansiri ownership. The administration points deduction makes survival very difficult, but taking three points off their rivals who are the ones who they need to overtake would be very sweet for Wednesday.

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📈 Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United Form & Stats

It has been a similar story all season for Sheffield Wednesday. Supposedly doomed before the season kicked off due to lack of investment and a paper-thin playing squad, they have been written off every step of the way. However, whilst in a regular season Wednesday’s form would be seen as really poor, in the circumstances, the overriding feeling for Wednesdayites is one of pride in their players and pride in the badge and jersey.

There has been only one win this season, at Portsmouth back in September, but they have drawn two of their last three, and, actually their performance data isn’t terrible. They carry an xG differential, the difference between chances created and conceded of -0.79 xG so far this season, but they actually won the xG battle in their last two home matches, so there is improvement to be seen there.

Sheffield United are having a horrible season, especially by their standards and expectation set by last year’s very strong third placed finish. United started the season with Ruben Selles in charge, but they lost an incredible number of matches. Indeed, even now, Blades have lost the highest number of matches in the Championship with 11 from 15 played. They haven’t won in four coming into this match.

Despite all this, somehow, probably in part due to game state, Sheffield United carry a positive xG differential of +0.07 xG, so in some cases they have probably been unfortunate, but mostly they have just been abject in both boxes. Not enough chances have been taken, and they haven’t been able to defend correctly in many cases. They rank 14th in the expected points table, but even that is below par for the squad and the expectation that they have.

📔 Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United Formation & Team News

Sheffield Wednesday have a painfully thin squad, but they have added to it this week with former Leeds captain Liam Cooper joining their ranks. Whilst Cooper may not be fit enough to start here, though he may, it is likely that they need cover there as they want to continue playing their 3-4-3 system that Henrik Pedersen enjoys. It might be adapted to a 3-5-2 here to bring Svante Ingelsson back into the middle alongside Bannan to help him.

It is defence that is still worst hit in this squad. Di’Shon Bernard isn’t back yet, and Ernie Weaver is out for the season. Pierce Charles, Nat Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki, and George Brown are a couple of weeks away.

Chris Wilder had been playing a three at the back system as well until recently. An attempt at a 4-4-2 with both Tyrese Campbell and Danny Ings up front against QPR didn’t work in terms of getting goals, but did to stop the defensive rot. Wilder may go with this again to throw a different look at Henrik Pedersen, but there is depth and flexibility in the squad to make those choices.

Gus Hamer is close to a return, but will miss this match. As will other long term absentees Ben Godfrey, Tahith Chong, and Ollie Arblaster. Ben Mee could be available following a knock.

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.