After a miserable weekend, Owls fans could be forgiven for wanting to evade this fixture on a cold, Tuesday night in autumn, as they prepare for the visit of
A surrender to Southampton, followed by a half-hearted protest has left many supporters even more bemused at the club’s situation, with rumours of a record low attendance for this game, however a positive result on Tuesday may go someway to rekindling the hope that existed barely one month ago.
As far as team selection is concerned, pressure is growing on the terraces for Paul Heffernan to be given a starting role on Tuesday, against one of his former clubs. The Irishman has yet to start for the Owls in the league and will surely get no better chance, given the team’s dreadful run of results recently.
Skipper Darren Purse went off at half-time on Saturday after a knock to the head, but should return to the heart of the defence, although the full-back options remain wide open. Daniel Jones, Tommy Spurr, Lewis Buxton and Jon Otsemobor will compete for the two coveted starting shirts.
As for the visitors, rookie boss Paul Dickov has steered confidence back into the club after flirtation with relegation last campaign. Last season, Athletic finished just two points above the drop-zone, narrowly avoiding demotion to the fourth tier.
The Latics lost out to a cruel, late winner on Saturday at league leaders
With over 30 professionals on the books, Dickov possesses one of the largest squads at this level, and will hope that quantity does not mean lack of quality, as he aims to restore
Striker Warren Feeney endured a bizarre spell on loan last season at S6 playing just a quarter of an hour before returning to parent club
