Opposition Camp: What to expect from Sheffield Wednesday - With Josh Stedman

Whilst the schedule change is unusual, so is the opposition, with the Owls undergoing a number of changes since there horrible campaign last season. New owners and an influx of players following their relegation from the Championship leaves a lot of open questions as the season begins.

To find out more about the new-look Sheffield Wednesday and what the Whites can expect, we spoke to Josh Stedman, a freelance sports writer who knows the club inside and out, covering the club alongside being a lifelong fan.

It’s been a summer of change at Sheffield Wednesday, despite only having pre-season, who would you say is the player to watch in this team?

"I’m really excited by Louie Barry. If we can get the best out of him, he will be a great player for us going forward.

"I think having Simon Wilson around will help him. Barry played his best football at Stockport, and hopefully Wilson can help him kick on this season as well.

"He’s had such a crazy career already, being part of the Barcelona academy and then being bought by Aston Villa. Fingers crossed he settles at Hillsborough.

"Jordi Liongola is another one I’m looking forward to watching. Any time you sign a player from abroad, there’s a sense of unknown and excitement.

"Off his numbers and highlights, he could be a real player."

Whilst Henrik Pederson wasn’t able to build his squad last season, do you think his side will come into the game attempting to play a certain style?

"It certainly sounds like he has a style and philosophy he likes. He spent time in the Red Bull system during the early part of his coaching, so it could be an adaptation of their philosophy.

"Last season was tough because we had to defend for 90 minutes each week. This season we should have more chances to be progressive and attacking.

"He was the attacking coach under Danny Rohl, and during the full season they had, we were really good. If it’s anything like that, we’ll be in for an exciting campaign.

"Henrik’s under a lot of pressure from some fans already, though, so he needs to make sure we get off to a good start, no matter what style of play he uses."

Heading into the first full season under new ownership, is the feeling with fans still strong? Or do some feel it’s time for them to prove themselves?

"I don’t think it’s the ownership that the fans feel have to prove themselves. They’ve done everything right so far - minus the opening home game ticket prices.

"Their biggest call was keeping Pedersen. That’s the one that’s divided the fans the most ever since it was confirmed he’d be staying.

"So I think all the pressure is on Pedersen, really. He needs to prove himself to the fans and show why the new ownership kept him around.

2I hope he does; he stuck by us last season, but if we start badly, those doubters will be quick to attack him."

Do you expect Wednesday to head into the game with a feeling of confidence and take Bolton on? Or have a more pragmatic approach before the league season starts next week?

"It’s a weird one this tie, isn’t it? Usually it would be just after the first league game, so we’d see changes to the starting 11, with some youngsters given a chance, which always changes the way a team plays.

"But because it’s the week before the first game, the first teamers could play to get ready for the opening game next weekend.

"I’d err on the side of caution myself, play some players who might not start next weekend, along with some youngsters.

"Those players will be keen to make an impression and could take the game to Bolton. We saw last season that we’ve got youth players with potential; it would be a shame not to give them a chance again."

The Whites will face Wednesday tomorrow, at 3PM hoping to get their campaign off to a winning start on the road in South Yorkshire.