Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Bolton Wanderers - prediction, team news, lineups

Two of League One's newest teams will compete on Saturday when Bolton Wanderers attempt to extend their three-game undefeated streak as they travel to Hillsborough.

Sheffield Wednesday are attempting to return to the Championship at the first time of asking and a victory at the weekend could put them just one point outside of the playoff positions.

Match preview

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Sheffield Wednesday head into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 victory in the EFL Trophy on Wednesday when a 93rd-minute goal from Florian Kamberi helped secure the three points at the very end of the game.

However, the Owls have only won once in their last five matches in League One, which is a cause for concern as the recent form has seen them slip out of the playoff positions.

Currently 12th in the table, they will be hoping to respond to the recent defeat against Oxford United last weekend when it was Darren Moore's men that were on the receiving end of a strike just before the final whistle.

Callum Paterson had originally drawn them level until a goal in the dying embers of the game from James Henry saw them defeated 2-1 as the point slipped out of their hands.

This was a rare situation for Sheffield Wednesday because defensively they have been solid this season, with only one team in the league having conceded fewer than them.

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However, it is putting balls into the back of the net that has been their problem, as the only clubs that have scored fewer goals than them all occupy spots in the relegation zone.

Their opponents this weekend are also coming into the fixture on the back of a victory in the EFL Trophy, although their display was a more dominant one as they defeated the Liverpool Under-21s team 4-1.

This extended their winning run to three games after they also beat Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town in the league recently, helping them to climb above Sheffield Wednesday in the table.

Bolton are aiming for consecutive promotions this season and they sit just one point outside of the playoff positions, with three points on Saturday having the potential to take them as high as third.

Ian Evatt's team have been the entertainers so far this season, having scored 20 goals in the opening 11 games, with Oladapo Afolayan contributing six of them.

He was on hand to claim what would be the winning goal against Shrewsbury during their 2-1 victory, but considering the fact they have already failed to win four times this season on their travels, the Trotters will need to improve that form this weekend.

Team News

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Sheffield Wednesday were able to bring back Barry Bannan against Oxford last weekend as he returned from injury, and while he was rested in the EFL Trophy, the midfielder is expected to start in this fixture.

The Owls will continue to miss Massimo Luongo and Josh Windass, though, as they are still battling the hamstring problems that have troubled them as of late.

However, Moore could be set to welcome back Sam Hutchinson, who has returned to training this week, while George Byers is edging closer to his comeback as well, although this game is expected to be too soon for him.

Gethin Jones suffered a dead leg last weekend which ruled him out of the midweek fixture, but Bolton should be boosted defensively by his return to the squad on Saturday.

The club was able to welcome back Amadou Bakayoko for the game against Liverpool's Under-21s, and he showed no signs of slowness, scoring twice as he looks to pick up where he left off before his calf injury.

However, the Trotters will still be missing Xavier Amaechi, who is continuing to work his way back to full fitness following a fractured metatarsal.

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:
Peacock-Farrell; Palmer, Iorfa, Dunkley, Johnson; Adeniran, Wing; Bannan, Paterson, Shodipo; Gregory

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Gilks; Jones, Santos, Johnston, John; Williams, Lee; Kachunga, Sarcevic, Isgrove; Doyle

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 1-3 Bolton Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers have been very impressive in front of goal so far this season, and that could prove to be crucial this weekend against a strong defensive unit like Sheffield Wednesday.

The Trotters are in a slightly more dominant run of form at the moment, and the confidence that is bringing should see them through away from home.