Sheffield Wednesday vs Brentford

Sky Bet Championship

Hillsborough, Kick-Off 7.45pm

THE OPPOSITION

11 wins, 11 draws, and 11 defeats tells the story for Sheffield Wednesday this term but early signs are promising under new boss Steve Bruce.

Appointed in Janaury following Jos Luhukay's sacking, Bruce didn't take up his role until earlier this month for family reasons but has gone on to take nine points from five unbeaten games in charge. Saturday's game against our Emirates FA Cup conquerers, Swansea City, saw Wednesday pick up their first three points on home soil following a 3-1 win.

Saturday's game was also only the second time since early October that the Hillsborough faithful had seen more than one home goal. Adam Reach's brace on Saturday saw him join Lucas Joao on nine goals atop The Owls' scoring charts.

TEAM NEWS

For Villa, Jordan Thorniley missed Saturday's game with a head injury and may be forced to sit out again but Fernando Forestieri will return after serving a one-match ban. George Boyd could return following illness but Gary Hooper, Josh Onomah and Matt Penney are definitely out.

Emiliano Marcondes and Lewis Macleod are both out with injury while Rico Henry also missed Saturday's win over Hull City with a knock. Ezri Konsa does return following his suspension on Saturday.

THE MANAGER

This season is Steve Bruce's 40th in professional football after a stellar career as a player and a manager. Bruce started out at Gillingham but made his name as part of the Norwich City team that won promotion from Division Two in 1986 before finishing fifth in Division One the season after. While at Carrow Road he also won the League Cup in 1985 before moving to Manchester United in 1987. At Old Trafford, Bruce won three League titles, three FA Cups, three Charity Shields, a League Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Super Cup.

Bruce ended his career at Sheffield United before taking his first managerial role with The Blades. He lasted just a season at Bramall Lane and had short spells with Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic, and Crystal Palace before returning to another of his former clubs, Birmingham City. In six years at St Andrew's, he twice won promotion to the Premier League but left in October 2007 after a falling out with the board. He achieved mid-table Premier League finishes with both Wigan Athletic and Sunderland before moving to Hull City in 2012. He led Hull to promotion during his first season before keeping The Tigers up, and reaching the FA Cup final for the first-time in 2014. He wasn't able to achieve the same results the following year, leading to relegation, but The Tigers roared back, winning the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs in 2016. Despite winning promotion, frustration at a lack of transfer activity at The KCOM Stadium, saw him depart a month later before he arrived at Villa Park that October. Despite leading The Villains to the Play-Offs last term, losing in the final to Fulham, Bruce left Villa in October.

WE MEET AGAIN

Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins get the goals as The Owls were sent packing from Griffin Park after a 2-0 home win in August.

PRE-MATCH FEATURES

Said Benrahma on hat-trick, form, and adapting to England

Ref Watch: Find out more about tonight's match officials

Away Day Guide: Plan your trip to Hillsborough

Hot Off The Press: Andy Giddings on what to expect from The Owls

TICKETS INFO

There will be Pay on the Day tonight from the away turnstiles, cash only,

Collections and duplicates will be available from Gate 6, next to the away turnstiles.

MATCH COVERAGE

Mark Burridge is your host from Hillsborough tonight. He'll be joined by Dave Morley and Ciaran Brett, bringing you live match commentary from 7.15pm.

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