“You shouldn’t be in the position you are.” - Sheffield Wednesday Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: Sheffield Wednesday
Ben Woodcock, from Sheffield Wednesday podcast, The Wednesday Week, talks Garry Monk, dropping points and why Town need to be wary of Josh Windass.
So, Luton Town. Yeah, I don’t think we can say anything that hasn’t already been said. The only positive to say is that Town have another game coming up sharpish at Hillsborough. Sheffield Wednesday, who are safe at the time of writing, are the type of opposition that Danny Cowley will hope Huddersfield can take advantage of. A team with nothing on paper to play for, unless we hear news on Wednesday’s potential points deduction before the match on Tuesday.
Sheffield Wednesday at home was actually Danny Cowley’s first match in charge of The Terriers, losing 2-0 to Garry Monk’s side. As the season draws to a close, can they get revenge on The Owls and take a big step towards Championship safety? To find out, we spoke to Ben Woodcock, from Sheffield Wednesday podcast, The Wednesday Week.
Dominic Iorfa has been one of Wednesday’s best players this season. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
What have you made of Wednesday’s performances since football restarted?
Just like the full season we’ve been very mixed, we started well and got a draw against Nottingham Forest and a win at Ashton Gate against Bristol City. Then three defeats put us back to square one. Despite a great performance against QPR, we’ve been inconsistent.
How would you rate Wednesday’s season so far?
It would have to be 5/10 because of how split our season has been. From sitting third at Christmas we did our best to put ourselves in a relegation battle, which could still come from a pending points deduction that the EFL is dragging its feet over. As it stands we’re mathematically safe but that could change.
What did you think of Huddersfield when they played against Wednesday earlier this season?
You were on a bad run, we were doing okay so we were favourites and I think that showed during the game. We really controlled things from start to finish and put in a very professional performance and came away with a win.
Sheffield Wednesday boss Garry Monk has had a mixed time so far in charge. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
What have been Wednesday’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Last 10 minutes of games have been our downfall, we’ve dropped around 25 points after 80 minutes which has cost us another shot at the playoffs so if Huddersfield are to have a chance at taking some points away from Hillsborough it could be in the last few minutes. Our other downfall has been scoring on home soil, we’ve only managed 18 home goals, the worst in the league. Fortunately, we’ve somewhat made up for that scoring 36 away goals, the highest in the Championship.
What have you made of Garry Monk this season? He seemed to start really well.
Pressure has mounted on him due to the terrible form post-Christmas and it’s been hard to make a case for him at times. However, I’m still backing him, he’s had one transfer window where he’s been limited to loan signings. He’s been very vocal about how he wants to invest in youth to drive the club forward and I feel he deserves a chance to try and implement that.
Who has been the standout performer this season?
Of course, Steven Fletcher has been crucial this season as has Morgan Fox but they didn’t agree new deals so aren’t at that club now. Dom Iorfa has been outstanding for the most part of the season at Centre-half, his positional sense isn’t always great but his electric pace tends to get him out of sticky situations. Everyone knows the quality of Barry Bannan in the engine room, only one Championship player has made more key passes than Bannan this season (92) and only five players have more assists. He’s without a doubt our best player.
Steven Fletcher was in good form for Sheffield Wednesday but chose not to extend his contract following its expiry. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
Which players have performed well but gone under the radar to other clubs in the league?
I’d probably put Iorfa in that category, I don’t think people realise just how good he is. He’s very ungainly and much like Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer to watch. He’s been key in both boxes for Wednesday this season. Jacob Murphy has also gone under the radar somewhat, he’s now our leading scorer and is someone most Wednesdayites would like to see back at the club next season, he’s chipped in with some really important goals this campaign.
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
If Saturday is anything to go by then the pace in The Owls attack needs to be the main concern of Huddersfield. Josh Windass made his first start on Saturday since the restart and looked very dangerous. In the end, he had to settle for just one goal, he could’ve had 4 or 5 but that sharpness will come with game time and I wouldn’t put it past him to score in this one.
Josh Windass has impressed in recent games, according to Ben Woodcock. Photo source: Sheffield Wednesday
What do you think of Huddersfield so far this season?
With some of the quality in your side, you shouldn’t be in the position you are. Very similar to Sunderland, the quality is in the squad but for whatever reason, the best isn’t been got out of the players you have. Danny Cowley has proved himself in the lower leagues but we’ve seen it with Paul Hurst when he took over at Ipswich and Nathan Jones at Stoke that it’s a big jump to go from managing a lower league side to a side which has recently dropped out of the top flight. With how close it is at the bottom of the Championship you desperately need the points.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
1-1.
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!
