England Championship-Sheffield Wednesday VS Southampton

 

 

Team News

Sheffield Wednesday

Xisco Munoz is expected to line his Sheffield Wednesday side up in a 4-3-3 system this season.

New signings Pol Valentin, Di-Shon Bernard, Juan Delgado and Ashley Fletcher could all make their debuts on the opening day.

Liam Palmer and Mallik Wilks are both doubtful for the home side as they continue to build up their fitness levels, while youngster Ciaran Brennan is a confirmed absentee.

 

Southampton

Russell Martin has an immensely talented squad at his disposal this season, although it remains to be seen who will stay and who will leave the club.

Duje Caleta-Car and Mo Salisu have both already departed, while club captain James Ward-Prowse is being heavily linked with a move away.

The latter is still a Southampton player as things stand and could feature on Friday night.

 

Prediction

Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday are a squad in the midst of a major transition phase and new manager Xisco Munoz has a tricky task on his hands to keep the Owls in the division. The Yorkshire side won promotion in fairytale fashion at Wembley earlier this summer, but Darren Moore has since left and the squad remains extremely thin.

 

Southampton

Southampton head into their first season back at Championship level with plenty of reasons to be optimistic. The Saints have a perfect blend of proven Championship talent and young prospects coming through the ranks, and in Russell Martin, they have one of the most highly-rated managers in the division.