Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Cambridge United - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the U's will be keen to begin the new year with a victory after winning just one of their previous seven matches in League One.

Match preview

Sheffield Wednesday begin the new year in third place, level on points and goal difference with Ipswich Town, who currently sit in second position on goals scored.

They are currently enjoying a 12-game unbeaten in the league and will be looking to record a third straight win on Monday after beating Fleetwood Town and Port Vale in their last two matches.

In their final match of 2022, Michael Smith scored from the spot to give the Owls a half time lead against Port Vale, before the forward scored his second goal of the match in the 70th minute to clinch all three points.

The 2-0 victory represented Sheffield Wednesday's third straight home clean sheet in League One, while they have also recorded 13 shoutouts in the third tier this season - more than any other side in the division.

As well as boasting a strong defensive record, they are also unbeaten in 10 home games in all competitions, with eight of those matches resulting in a victory.

While Sheffield Wednesday are targeting automatic promotion, Cambridge are currently involved in a battle to remain in League One.

With three wins from their last 16 games in League One, the U's finished 2022 in 19th position with two points separating them from the relegation zone.

They managed to end a five-game winless league run when they claimed a narrow 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day, but they ended the calendar year with a 1-0 defeat to Derby County on Friday.

After playing out a goalless first half against the Rams, a second half strike from Lewis Dobbin condemned Cambridge to their third consecutive away defeat.

Cambridge were thrashed 6-0 in last season's away meeting with Sheffield Wednesday, and after they were beaten 2-0 by the Owls earlier this season, the U's would likely be content with picking up a point from Monday's contest.

Sheffield Wednesday League One form:

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D

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Sheffield Wednesday form (all competitions):

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Cambridge United League One form:

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Cambridge United form (all competitions):

L

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W

Team News

The hosts are without the services of Dominic Iorfa due to an ankle problem, while there are doubts over the availability of Lee Gregory and Barry Bannan.

Gregory was sidelined for the win over Port Vale, while Bannan was forced off in the 26th minute of the 2-0 victory.

If Bannan is unavailable for Monday's contest then Will Vaulks would likely be brought into the side to feature in central midfield.

As for Cambridge, their defence has been hit by an injury crisis, with Zeno Ibsen Rossi, Harrison Dunk and Lloyd Jones all sidelined.

Kai Yearns and Liam Bennett have both been recalled from their loan spells with Chelmsford City and Walsall respectively, and the pair could be included in the matchday squad.

After featuring as a second half substitute against Derby, Joe Ironside could be brought into the starting lineup to lead the line for the visitors.

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:

Dawson; Palmer, McGuinness, James; Mighten, Dele-Bashiru, Vaulks, Byers, Johnson; Smith, Paterson

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Mannion; Williams, Okedina, Taylor, Brophy; Digby, Worman; Smith, Knibbs, Tracey; Ironside

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Cambridge United

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