Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Bristol Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

While the home side are unbeaten in three matches, 13th-placed Rovers make the trip to Hillsborough having not suffered defeat in the third tier in five games.

Match preview

Having failed to win more than two league matches in succession all season, you would be forgiven for thinking that Sheffield Wednesday are far lower in the table than third spot.

However, Darren Moore's side have recorded back-to-back victories on four occasions, ensuring that they have been able to remain on the coattails of Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town.

The Owls were denied a third straight success at the weekend when Lincoln City came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw, although Lee Gregory's early goal made it eight matches in a row where the Yorkshire giants have gotten on the scoresheet.

With an eight-point cushion in the playoffs, Moore will be satisfied with his side's current standing, but he will be aware that only wins will realistically do if they wish to keep pace with the in-form top two.

If Ipswich lose to Port Vale on Tuesday night, Wednesday will be able to move into second position on goal difference should they record all three points.

That is far from a guarantee, however, with Bristol Rovers' recent resurgence moving the club away from the relegation zone and keeping Joey Barton in a job.

Although his departure was far from agiven, Rovers had put together an eight-match winless streak at one stage, but that since been replaced by 10 points being collected from a possible 12.

The draw which they earned against high-flying Plymouth at the weekend was arguably more impressive than the previous three wins, Rovers coming from two goals down at half time to earn a share of the spoils.

While clean sheets remain an issue with just one being recorded in 12 outings, Rovers are now closer to the playoffs than they are to the relegation zone, representing a switch in their priorities in the short term.

Aaron Collins continues to emerge as one of the best performing players in the third tier, the Welsh forward now netting a remarkable nine goals and six assists from his 15 starts this campaign.

Sheffield Wednesday League One form:

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Sheffield Wednesday form (all competitions):

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Bristol Rovers League One form:

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Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

Moore may be prepared to stick with the same Wednesday XI which started the game at Lincoln, but the Owls boss does have options if he wishes to make changes.

George Byers is the most likely to earn a recall, the midfielder an alternative for Will Vaulks in the centre of the pitch.

Tyreeq Bakinson could get the nod ahead of him if Moore opts for a more defensive-minded option, but the defence and forward line should stay unchanged.

Despite his attack-minded approach in the second half having worked against Plymouth, Barton will not deploy that strategy from the off against Sheffield Wednesday.

Barring any fitness issues, an unchanged team is likely, with Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn having to make do with a spot among the replacements despite his impact from the substitutes' bench last time out.

Although Luca Hoole was withdrawn at half time, it was a tactical switch, and the 20-year-old should retain his spot at right-back.

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:

Stockdale; Ihiekwe, Heneghan, McGuinness; Palmer, Vaulks, Bannan, Johnson; Windass; Gregory, Smith

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Belshaw; Hoole, Thomas, Gibson, Gordon; Evans, Rossiter, Finley; Anderson, Loft, Collins

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Bristol Rovers

Given the respective form of these two teams, we are expecting a highly-competitive fixture in Yorkshire. Nevertheless, although Rovers could potentially take the lead or remain on level terms until the closing stages, Wednesday should have enough quality to edge this game by a narrow margin.

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