MY ACCOUNT
– Wednesday are unbeaten in 23 home matches
– Peterborough have scored 10 goals in their previous five away
– Recommended bet: Sheffield Wednesday to win and both teams to score
After their heavy defeat in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final, Sheffield Wednesday can go down fighting when they host Peterborough United at Hillsborough in the second leg.
However, the Owls need a miracle if they are to secure their spot at Wembley.
Wednesday fell to a 4-0 defeat at London Road on Friday, and in doing so, all but handed their opponents a place in the play-off final.
After they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, Sheffield Wednesday were expected to control their own destiny in the play-offs, but the disappointment looks to have proven too much for them after their dismal performance in the first leg last week.
Posh finished 19 points behind the Owls in the regular campaign, but goals from Jack Taylor, Joe Ward, Kwame Poku and Jonson Clarke-Harris ensure Darren Moore’s side have a huge deficit to overturn.
Team news
Wednesday coach Moore may have to change his tactics in order to get a positive result, and he may utilise a back four for Thursday’s fixture.
Deploying Reece James at left-back would allow Marvin Johnson to push further forward, but he is expected to stick with Will Vaulks and Barry Bannan in the centre of midfield.
Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson is unlikely to make any changes to his starting XI after their impressive performance, and that continuity will be important in their quest to reach Wembley.
The stats
Last week’s defeat to Peterborough was Sheffield Wednesday’s first in four matches, and they had entered the play-offs on the back of four consecutive victories.
Even though progression to Wembley looks out of their reach, they do have a formidable home record.
The Owls last lost at Hillsborough in September, a run of 23 matches, and they will hope those familiar surroundings will help them to at least secure a win in the second leg.
Peterborough’s away form has been impressive of late, with Ferguson’s side losing only three of their last 10 on their travels.
They won the other seven meetings, scoring at least two goals in each fixture.
Prediction
It would be incredible to see Sheffield Wednesday overturn a four-goal deficit and reach Wembley but this two-legged tie feels over.
However, the Owls can still bow out of the play-offs with a win, especially with Thursday’s fixture coming on home soil.
Moore’s team have been unstoppable at home throughout the campaign, and that should not change this week.
Posh have already proven they can find the back of the net against their opponents without much trouble, but Wednesday’s need is much greater and they will do all they can to give their fans something to cheer about.
Expect an entertaining game to go Wednesday’s way on Thursday, but the damage is already done, and Peterborough will surely advance to Wembley to battle for a place in the Championship.
Back Sheffield Wednesday to win and both teams to score @ 11/5 with LiveScore.
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