Sheff Weds v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 14 April 2017 By Michael Morris

C:WindowsTempphp7716.tmpSheffield Wednesday captain Glenn Loovens is an injury doubt for the home game against Cardiff on Good Friday.

The Owls defender was forced out of last week's home win over Newcastle due to an ongoing abductor problem and will be assessed.

Striker Fernando Forestieri, an unused substitute against the Magpies, is in contention to start following a knee problem, but a calf strain keeps midfielder Sam Hutchinson sidelined.

Almen Abdi is recovering from knee surgery and fellow midfielder Kieran Lee is not yet back in full training as he recovers from a hip injury.

Cardiff again appear set to be without Sol Bamba as he continues to struggle with a groin injury.

The Ivory Coast defender missed last weekend's 2-1 home win over previously in-form Brentford, after being carried off in a goalless stalemate at Barnsley.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor was doubtful with ankle trouble for the match against the Bees but was able to play the full 90 minutes with no ill-effects.

The experienced Brian Murphy provides mid-table Cardiff with a handy alternative if needed.

 

Match Officials

Referee: DAVID COOTE 
Assistants: Tony Peart and Shaun Hudson 
Fourth Official: Kevin Johnson 

 

Match facts

  • After losing four consecutive league games against Cardiff between 2010 and 2014, the Owls have since gone unbeaten in the most recent four (W1 D3).
  • The Bluebirds have scored just four goals across their last seven league trips to Hillsborough (W1 D2 L4).
  • Former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has lost only one of his last 13 matches against Sheffield Wednesday in all competitions (W6 D6), a 2-0 defeat as Crystal Palace boss in February 2009.
  • Six of Sheffield Wednesday's last 10 league goals have been headers, including each of the last three.
  • Only Fulham (22) have secured more points after coming from behind this season than Cardiff (20).