We preview Sunday's EFL Championship clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham.
This is a rather strange situation that these sides have on their hands. Both sides have already qualified for the knockout rounds for promotion - barring a dramatic 13 goal swing-around for Fulham. So one would think that both managers may be inclined to rest several key players. But then you have to factor in the psychological dimension. One wouldn’t want to lose a match to a side that you potentially have to meet at Wembley for a spot in the Premier League. Both of these clubs are in terrific form and this could make for a high-scoring end to what could be a wonderful season for one of these clubs.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Fulham | Sunday 7 May | Hillsborough Stadium | 13:00
To Win (90 Mins)
Sheffield Wednesday 13/10 | Draw 23/10 | Fulham 19/10
Sheffield Wednesday
You have to admire the way that Carlos Carvalhal has got this side playing. The Owls will be looking to right the wrongs of last season’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Hull City. They have won six consecutive matches but could very well choose to rest some of their key players this week. Key striker Fernando Foresteri was rested against Ipswich and may remain on the bench this week, with Stephen Fletcher and Gary Hooper likely leading the line. Hooper will be hoping to put in the type of display that may allow him to usurp Fletcher in the starting line-up.
Ross Wallace, their chief assist merchant for the season, may make way for the combative and somewhat tragic figure of Callum McManaman to come into contention. He looked like such a talent at Wigan, but ill-discipline and a dramatic dip in form have seen him relegated to the doldrums. I also suspect that Adam Reach may be rested, allowing Jordan Rhodes the brief opportunity to impress on his loan spell from relegation bound 'Boro.
Fulham
Slavisa Jokanovic has been promoted before with Watford, so he knows what it takes to get the job done. They have won four of their last five games. That draw came last week against Brentford. They may have been costly had Leeds actually managed to beat Norwich. Fulham will look to rest red-hot Tom Cairney. Their leading scorer for the season has scored three in his last four games for the side.
I also suspect that integral players such as Ryan Sessenyong, Sone Aluko and Stefan Johnason may also be given the week off. Sessenyong’s conversion of more defensively minded to attack minded has been revelatory for the Cottagers thus season. This may allow wily old veteran Scott Parker the opportunity to start this week. Floyd Ayite may be retained up front as that final bit of insurance against the absurd. Neeskans Kabano came on and looked pretty effective in midfield last week.
Verdict: Both Teams to Score – Yes - 6/10
This should be easy money as both sides essentially go on a victory lap this weekend. They are also both in excellent form, despite the fact that they will both likely rest key players.
Written by Damien Kayat @Hollywoodbets.
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