Preview: Sheffield Wednesday vs. Blackpool

Managerless Sheffield Wednesday begin 2014 with a visit from a Blackpool side horribly out of form on New Year's Day.

Although still in the top half of the table and within touching distance of the playoff places, Blackpool haven't won since their victory over Wednesday in the reverse fixture at the end of November, picking up just one point from the six December fixtures.

Boss Paul Ince isn't likely to alter his side too much from Sunday's limp home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, with Ricardo Fuller perhaps ready to return up front in place of Michael Chopra. Defenders Kirk Broadfoot and Chris Basham are out through suspension.

Wednesday caretaker manager Stuart Gray knows that time is running out to make his case for the permanent job as he hasn't guided the Owls out of the relegation places since he took charge of the side.

Gray could tinker with his first XI that managed a draw at Charlton Athletic on Sunday, with forward-minded players Atdhe Nuhiu and Jacques Maghoma the most likely to force their way into the lineup in place of Jeremy Helan and Chris Maguire.

Recent form

Wednesday: DDLWLW

Blackpool: LDLLLL

Possible starting lineups

Wednesday: Kirkland; Palmer, Roger Johnson, Loovens, Reda Johnson; Lee, Semedo, McPhail, Helan; Wickham, Nuhiu

Blackpool: Gilks; Blackett, Cathcart, MacKenzie, Robinson; Ferguson, Bishop, Gosling, Dobbie; Ince; Fuller

Sports Mole says: 1-1