Sheffield Wednesday host Cambridge United at Hillsborough on Tuesday night looking to halt a slide in form that cost manager Henrik Pedersen his job. The club sit eighth in League One with 18 points from 11 games, two points behind their sixth-placed visitors.
Pedersen was dismissed on Sunday following back-to-back 2-0 away defeats to Notts County and Doncaster Rovers. The loss at Doncaster on Saturday, with goals from Owen Bailey in the sixth and 16th minutes, proved the final game of his tenure. Former Rotherham United manager Matt Hamshaw has been appointed to take temporary charge for the Cambridge fixture.
Sheffield Wednesday's sporting director Simon Wilson explained the decision to change managers. Wilson said the club had not seen enough progress in establishing a recognisable style of play and greater consistency, despite accumulating points. He noted the start of the season was difficult due to the scale of change across the club, but making a change now gives them the best opportunity to build foundations for the second half of the campaign. Wilson added that the club's ambition is to be in the top six, and they believe a change gives them the best chance to achieve that.
Cambridge United boss Neil Harris expects a tough evening against a wounded opponent. He stated he anticipates facing a hurting Sheffield Wednesday side that will be fired up for the match. Harris also wants a strong reaction from his own team after they saw a 10-match unbeaten run end with a 3-2 home loss to Plymouth Argyle.
The Owls have a strong recent record against Cambridge, having won the last three meetings without conceding a goal. Their form this season has been mixed, with 20 goals scored and 12 conceded, leaving them seven points behind leaders Huddersfield Town. Key forward J. Lowe is the team's top scorer with five goals in 10 appearances. Midfielder Barry Bannan has been a creative force, registering five assists so far this season.
Harris highlighted the defensive challenge for his young side, which featured six players under 24 in their last match. He emphasised the need to improve defensively and find a clean sheet mentality, having kept only one clean sheet this season. Cambridge have lost their last two visits to Hillsborough by heavy margins, 6-0 in March 2022 and 5-0 in January 2023. Harris acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Hillsborough but stressed his team must be brave and show personality.
Sheffield Wednesday will be without defender Dominic Iorfa due to a hamstring injury, while midfielder George Byers is a doubt with a knock. For Cambridge, forward Gassan Ahadme is sidelined with an ankle injury. Tuesday's match represents a key opportunity for Wednesday to respond and climb the standings. The fixture is scheduled for October 27 at Hillsborough.
First reported at yorkshirepost.co.uk
