Danny Cowley believes Sheffield Wednesday have a better chance of reaching the play-off final than Sunderland because of their second leg home advantage. The Owls head into Monday evening’s huge clash a goal behind after Ross Stewart gave his side a 1-0 lead in the tie at the Stadium of Light.
It is a result that will not unduly worry Darren Moore despite the performance which, for the majority of the game, was some way below par. That will be put to the back of the minds of the Wednesday players as they prepare for a bumper crowd at Hillsborough.
That home advantage gives Moore’s side the slight edge and Cowley expects that to be the defining factor when the two teams meet on Monday. The Portsmouth manager was asked which team he would rather be managing in the second leg.
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“It’s tough, I think just Sheffield Wednesday because of their home form,” he said as part of the panel on EFL on Quest. “They’ve been incredible, over 50 points at home and 35,000 people right behind them. I just think they’ll be difficult to stop.”
Those lucky enough to have tickets home tickets at Hillsborough on Monday will have to make their voices heard, like their Sunderland counterparts did in the first leg. They will know, as will the Wednesday players, that they have been League One’s most effective home team this season and they must use that to their advantage.
Eradicating the Black Cats’ one-goal lead will be high on Moore’s agenda heading into the match but ensuring they are not able to double it early in the game will be even higher. Sunderland hardly allowed Wednesday into the game on Wearside so it is vital the hosts are able to take control of proceedings before looking to make it 1-1 on aggregate.
Getting players like Barry Bannan into the game is essential after he really struggled to make his mark in the first leg. If he is able to get on the ball and pull the strings, as he has so often done, then Owls fans might be able to start dreaming of a trip to Wembley.
