Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

The Owls are currently sitting in 23rd place with three points separating them from safety, while the Pilgrims are five points better off in 16th position.

Match preview

Sheffield Wednesday's relegation battle looked destined to end in certain defeat when they lost 4-0 to Huddersfield Town at the beginning of last month to leave them eight points adrift from safety.

However, the Owls have since embarked on a promising run of form, collecting four wins in five matches to give them renewed hope in their quest to avoid an immediate return to the third tier.

Danny Rohl's side followed a win over Birmingham City with a defeat to Leicester City, before they put together a three-game winning run against Millwall, Bristol City and Rotherham United.

The Owls had to be patient in Saturday's meeting with the Millers, but Ike Ugbo ultimately found the breakthrough in the 66th minute to clinch consecutive away wins without conceding.

With Sheffield Wednesday currently three points adrift from safety, they can ill afford to rest on their laurels as they turn their attention to Tuesday's contest, where they will attempt to record a third straight victory in home meetings with Plymouth.

Although the Pilgrims are in 16th place, they are also fighting for their Championship status with just two points separating them from Stoke City in 22nd position.

Plymouth appeared to have turned a corner when they beat Middlesbrough 2-0 to end a four-game winless league run, but they were quickly brought down to earth by promotion-chasing Ipswich Town at the weekend.

Goals from Matthew Sorinola and Ryan Hardie condemned Ian Foster's side to a third consecutive home defeat without troubling the scorers.

Having struggled at Home Park in recent games, Plymouth may be looking forward to heading on their travels after winning two of their last three away matches.

The visitors are hoping to claim a second straight away league win for the first time this season, and they also have the chance to complete a league double over Sheffield Wednesday following the commanding 3-0 win in October's reverse fixture.

Sheffield Wednesday Championship form:

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Sheffield Wednesday form (all competitions):

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Plymouth Argyle Championship form:

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Team News

The Owls remain without the services of Kristian Pedersen, Juan Delgado, Callum Paterson and Josh Windass due to injury.

Di'Shon Bernard was forced to miss Saturday's win through suspension, but the defender could be brought back into the side to feature in a back five alongside Pol Valentin, Michael Ihiekwe, Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson.

Ugbo will continue to lead the line for the hosts, with the Troyes loanee hoping to continue his fine run of form after racking up six goals across his last five appearances.

As for the Pilgrims, Foster is expected to have a fully fit squad after Adam Forshaw returned from injury to appear as a substitute against Ipswich.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Alfie Devine could be brought into the lineup to add fresh legs to Plymouth's attacking options.

Should Devine get the nod for Tuesday's contest, he is likely to be joined in a front three by Morgan Whittaker and Hardie, who have netted a combined total of 29 league goals this season.

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Valentin, Palmer, Ihiekwe, Bernard, Johnson; Poveda, Bannan, Vaulks, Musaba; Ugbo

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Hazard; Pleguezuelo, Gibson, Galloway; Sorinola, Randell, Gyabi, Miller; Whittaker, Devine, Hardie

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday fell to a heavy defeat when the two sides last met in October, but we think Tuesday's meeting will prove to be an entirely different affair.

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