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.