Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Sheffield Wednesday vs Notts County Team News
With the beginning of the new season, Sheffield Wednesday get ready to start their campaign for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at home against League One rivals Notts County at Hillsborough today.
Notts County, who have been Carling Cup contenders might not care for the trophy as much as their opposition, but the final is set to be played at Wembley and that will give both sides more motivation to perform better.
Sheffield manager Alan Irvine told reporters in a pre match press conference, “They (County) didn't start so well, the first couple of games they were quite soundly beaten. But they have had some good results since then, including a very good win away at Watford in the Carling Cup so they will be feeling confident.”
He was aware of the challenge his team faced in today’s fixture, “I am sure they will come to Hillsborough looking forward to the game and feeling that they can build on recent results. They have a good sized squad and a lot of experience within that squad of not only this level but higher levels and it will be a tough game.”
In terms of the squad he planned to present, he added, “Interestingly, they will probably turn up with a team where Sheffield Wednesday fans will recognize more names than some teams we have played so far.”
Irvine promised to name a side that would be similar if not the same as their League Cup starting eleven. However, the rules of the competition state that he can make about five changes to the team, which leaves him with five possible changes.
Clinton Morrison, the Wednesday striker has recently returned to full fitness and will get more play time. He will most likely start, along with Paul Heffernan. Heffernan failed to impress in latest performances, but he might feature in attack.
Giles Coke will be rested, while James O’Connor will make a return. Second choice defenders, Jon Otsemobor and Daniel Jones will likely be given starting roles in the match.
Jermaine Johnson, who was in race to get fit for tonight’s match, will not feature, while Liam Palmer could get a chance to impress. The youngster has featured in a handful of matches for the Owls, failing to make an impression on the fans and the coach.
Craig Short, the Nott County manager has also made it clear that he intends to make changes to the side that drew 3-3 against Bournemouth over the weekend.
Former Sheffield Wednesday keeper Rob Burch will most likely start against his former club after recovering from a toe injury. The injury had him sidelined for a few months and he is eager to make a comeback against Wednesday.
However, the influential defender Stephen Hunt has been ruled out for a few months after he suffered a hamstring injury. His absence will be felt, but Neal Bishop might be risked even though the player has just recovered from a foot injury. His fate will be decided after a late fitness test.
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