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Beren Cross

'Hope Nketiah's on the bench again' - Sheffield Wednesday insider lifts the lid on Owls camp

Leeds United visit Sheffield Wednesday, who, despite a controversial summer, are flying high in third in the Championship, on Saturday.

We speak to Owls supporter and Mirror Online assistant sports editor James Whaling to get the lowdown on how, when, where, why and who at Hillsborough.

1. What's the general mood among Wednesday fans so far this season?

The majority of fans are pretty happy. It still feels early, but more than a quarter of the season has passed and Wednesday are right in the mix after a tumultuous summer.

Expectations varied wildly among the fan base before a ball was kicked so to be sat where we are is very pleasing.

2. How's Garry Monk getting on?

I don't think much more could have been asked of Garry Monk than what he has delivered so far. Fourteen points from seven matches, four wins, only one defeat and three clean sheets.

He obviously didn't leave Leeds in the best of circumstances and has copped a fair bit of flak so he'll be bang up for this one.

Garry Monk during the Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday at John Smith's Stadium on September 15, 2019 (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

3. Who will the dangermen be on Saturday?

This could be the game Fernando Forestieri returns to the starting XI. He looked lively when he came off the bench against Stoke in midweek for his first outing after an eight-match ban.

I'd like to see him replace Adam Reach who hasn't been at his best recently. That being said, he has good memories of this fixture!

Barry Bannan has been his effervescent self in the middle of the park and is thriving alongside Massimo Luongo who has probably been Wednesday's best player since breaking into the starting line-up.

He picked up a knock against Stoke, but Monk confirmed he should be fit on Thursday.

Massimo Luongo goes off injured during the Championship match between Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City at Hillsborough on October 22, 2019 (George Wood/Getty Images)

Kadeem Harris has been brilliant since signing in the summer and his pace and directness is something we've been crying out for in the last few years. Steven Fletcher is scoring goals. Lots of threats.

4. Where can Leeds get at Wednesday?

The only defence, statistically, better than Wednesday's in the Championship is Leeds'. So containing Marcelo Bielsa's men won't daunt the Owls' backline.

Dominic Iorfa has formed a solid partnership with Julian Borner, who has been absolutely terrific since arriving from Germany,  at centre-half since Tom Lees picked up an injury.

Full-back is probably where Leeds will be targeting, but Liam Palmer has come of age over the last 12 months and Morgan Fox has looked much more dependable at left-back since regaining the shirt.

Keiren Westwood during the Championship match between Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday at John Smith's Stadium on September 15, 2019 (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Monk confirmed Keiren Westwood should be fit to play in goal having missed the last two, and while Cameron Dawson kept a clean sheet and pulled off a brilliant save to capture a clean sheet in midweek, there's no doubt Westwood is the better keeper and gives that bit more confidence to the defence.

5. What's your verdict on Leeds' start to the season?

Pretty much as expected. Leeds will be right up there again, I'm sure, and are proving difficult to beat.

The Eddie Nketiah dilemma is a curious one, mainly because, from the outside looking in,  it doesn't seem like much of a dilemma. The kid scores goals. I hope he's on the bench again on Saturday.

Leeds' acid test will again be consistency late in the season and keeping their heads if promotion is in reach, something which they failed to do last term.

Marcelo Bielsa looks on prior to the Championship match between Preston North End and Leeds United at Deepdale on October 22, 2019 (Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

6. Finally a prediction...

As alluded to, two strong defences so I'd be surprised if one side wins comfortably. It's going to be tight. I'll say a repeat of last season and 1-1.

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