For the second consecutive away game, we spoke to the chief football writer at the Yorkshire Post, Stuart Rayner, to give his expertise on one of the clubs he covers. This time it's Sheffield Wednesday, as the Lads head to Hillsbrough aiming to put things right after two consecutive defeats...
Sheffield Wednesday currently sit 12th in the table, six points off the top six but well clear of the bottom three. How would you rate their season so far and do they have any chance of getting into the play-offs?
When you consider last season was all about escaping a relegation that looked nailed on at one point, a top-half finish and especially a top 10 finish - which looks very do-able - has got to go down as a good season. The play-offs, though, look just out of reach and I worry not showing enough boardroom ambition to push for that could cost them...
What are Sheffield Wednesday fans' thoughts on manager Danny Rohl?
I think most Wednesday fans recognise that in Rohl they have one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe. What he did last season to pull them away from relegation was remarkable, and without him I think they would be a bottom-half side now.
Rohl's in-game tactical tweaks and formation changes are incredible and he really is squeezing the best out of his squad. Fortunately for the fans, I think the feeling is mutual. Wednesday have terrific away support in particular and Rohl could easily have cashed in on his reputation in the summer with Sunderland seen as a possible exit route. That he decided to stay was a lot down to them.
Did Sheff Wed have a good January transfer window?
Decent, but only decent.
They kept Shea Charles, who has been outstanding in midfield this season, and that looked unlikely when Southampton called him back from his loan in January. Stuart Armstrong is a good addition at Championship level and Ibrahim Cissoko an exciting winger.
But Rohl knew he needed extra quality at both ends of the field and did not get it. The complete breakdown in communications between him and his chairman, Dejphon Chansiri, effectively reduced a month-long window into about a week.
I believe the right signings at centre-back and centre-forward could have pushed the Owls into genuine play-off contenders. Like I said before, top half is good for where Wednesday are right now, but will it be enough to hang onto Rohl when the vultures circle again? I can't see it.
Wednesday have actually picked up more points on the road so far this season than in front of home support. What do you think has caused this?
Rohl is a very good reactive coach, so it helps him to play away from home where the onus is on the other team to dictate, and the visitors to respond.
Also, you know the drill when a big club with big support and a proud history is not where the fans think it should be - your home stadium can be a tough place to play. Big mistakes, whether it be defensive errors or failing to take chances are stopping the Owls make the next step, and that inevitably makes for a nervous Hillsborough.
Who is Sheff Wed's best player?
Charles is Premier League quality. Goalkeeper James Beadle is good with his feet and makes some terrific saves, despite a recent howler on a par with Anthony Patterson's at the weekend!
Josh Windass is capable of some amazing things - see his New Year's Day goal from his own half - and rises to the big games, whilst Barry Bannan remains a key creator in midfield.
Which Sunderland player do you think will cause the most problems for the home team?
I said WIlson Isidor before the Leeds game and, after he scored in that with a great turn and finish, I see no reason to go for anyone else.
What's your score prediction and goalscorers?
Now that Hull have ended Sunderland's invincibility at the Stadium of Light, I'd fancy Wednesday there, but as it's at Hillsborough I'll go 2-1 to Sunderland - Armstrong getting his first Owls goal and Isidor scoring twice for the Black Cats. Hopefully I'm wrong as usual.
