What Rotherham United can expect to face at Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon

THE Advertiser's Paul Davis covered Sheffield Wednesday for a spell earlier this season. Here's his verdict on the players Rotherham United will run in to in today's South Yorkshire derby at Hillsborough
Adam ReachAdam Reach
Adam Reach

CAMERON DAWSON

The goalkeeper has been at the centre of a controversy not of his making as many Wednesday followers still call for the inclusion of Keiren Westwood who has been frozen out by manager Jos Luhukay all season. Dawson is a good shot-stopper but isn't the bravest keeper and doesn't dominate his penalty area.

ASH BAKER

In and out of the side at right-back or right-wing-back. His lack of physical stature can see him struggle when he's put under pressure. Rotherham can get at him if he's selected.

LIAM PALMER

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A stronger option at right-back or right-wing-back than Baker. Palmer gets forward but his final ball can lack quality.

TOM LEES

Happiest when he's tackling, heading, blocking or clearing the ball. Lees is a no-nonsense centre-half, so don't ask him to do anything with the ball. In possession, there's a mistake in him when the opposition hurry him.

MICHAEL HECTOR

Comfortable with the ball at his feet and intercepts well. I'm not sure how much he fancies a scrap when the ball's in the air and a big centre-forward is climbing all over him.

JORDAN THORNILEY

A young centre-half who does the basics well, although he's not as effective when he's asked to play left-back.

DANIEL PUDIL

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An experienced campaigner who doesn't have the legs to play wide these days and is a left-sided option in central defence. He hasn't been a regular starter.

MORGAN FOX

Manager Jos Luhukay seems to like him at left-back. Owls fans don't like him anywhere. Another player the Millers can target if he plays.

JOEY PELUPESSY

A defensive midfielder charged with breaking up opposition attacks yet he has just one booking this season. That tells you all you need to know about the only permanent signing of Luhukay's tenure.

BARRY BANNAN

A prince among players when he's on song. Great on the ball, creative and a real set-piece threat. Most things go through him and when he plays well so do Wednesday. He was in irresistible form earlier in the season.

JOSH ONOMAH

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An energetic young midfielder who can do a bit in defence and in attack. He hasn't featured as much as he'd have liked.

ADAM REACH

Up there with Bannan for influence on the Owls. There is Premier League class in his attacking. He has mobility, a perfect touch, a knack of making space for himself and isn't afraid to take on his man. He also has a sublime shot, cross and pass in him. Quality going forward but has no inclination to defend.

MATT PENNEY

A top young prospect who shone when he broke into the side but then went off the boil. Physically imposing and a lovely, balanced runner on the left.

MARCO MATIAS

The only player in the Football League with whiter teeth than the Millers’ Richie Towell. A mobile forward who is capable of good things but doesn't produce enough of them over a full game.

FERNANDO FORESTIERI

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The Argentine attacker is missing this weekend after damaging his hamstring as a substitute at Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. His absence is good news for the Millers. An impish box of tricks good enough to trouble any defender in the division. Luhukay hasn't trusted in him yet, for me, he starts when he's fit.

STEVEN FLETCHER

An intelligent striker who takes up good positions and works hard. Age and injuries may have robbed him of a touch of sharpness but Rotherham will have to watch him.

LUCAS JOAO

The forward has the pace, physique and talent to be whatever he wants to be but doesn't have the attitude to consistently realise his potential. He can be virtually unplayable at times when he's up for it. However, he isn't always up for it.

ATDHE NUHIU

I can see his worth, with his giant frame, as a second-half substitute offering something different, but the frontman did little to justify being a regular starter while I was watching.