James Husband v Ross Wallace

Tasked with supporting his attacking teammates in David Wagner's 4-2-3-1, but still expected to be at the top of his game defensively, Saturday should be a key game for Middlesbrough loanee James Husband.

The left back has been steadily growing in to his role as a Town player, and he was impressive against Leeds last time out.

And with his loan spell at the John Smith's Stadium set to conclude a week on Saturday, he'll be keen to show his parent club he deserves first team football.

On the other side of the coin, Ross Wallace will be on hand to exploit any defensive lapses. With eight assists to his name, Wallace is Wednesday's top provider, and as such the majority of Wednesday's attacking forays come down the right hand side.

He's also got his eye on a long term deal. It should be a fascinating contest.

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Joel Lynch v Fernando Forestieri

Joel Lynch was in Town's victorious line-up the last time Burnley visited the stadium

It's impossible to discuss Sheffield Wednesday without a nod to their top scorer, Fernando Forestieri. With 13 league strikes to his name (two behind Town counterpart Nahki Wells), plus five assists, he is very much the danger man.

Wednesday's system leave shim playing just off Gary Hooper, and it will be up to Joel Lynch to keep a track of those movements and make sure he can't float into the box to damage Town's chances.

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Lynch was formidable against Leeds and will need to be at the top of his game again.

The Owls' recent wobble came when Forestieri was suspended following a red card against Hull, and although he endured a relative drought of one goal in eight games previously, he rediscovered his shooting boots last time out against Charlton Athletic.

Dean Whitehead v Kieran Lee

Kieran Lee of Sheffield Wednesday runs with the ball under pressure from Steve Sidwell of Brighton and Hove Albion

Wednesday are blessed with a tight defence and potent attack, but the system demands a lot of the central midfielders.

The pairing of Kieran Lee and Sam Hutchinson have been key for Carlos Carvalhal's side this term, and the contrasting fortunes of Lee and Town's Dean Whitehead will be key in establishing midfield control.

With Jonathan Hogg injured, the former Boro midfielder Whitehead is assured a starting berth, and he has been in excellent form since winning back his place.

His high-energy, tough-tackling approach has been vital to David Wagner, who will want more of the same against a side that are one of the division's highest-scoring teams.

Lee will be missing the suspended Barry Bannan across his midfield line-up but will be key to getting the ball back for the Owls and halting Wagner's possession football.