David Prutton predicts another difficult afternoon for Sheffield Wednesday against Ipswich Town.
Sheffield Wednesday face Ipswich Town at Hillsborough in the Championship on Saturday.
After losing their opening four games, on Wednesday they picked up their first points of the campaign in an impressive 0-0 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road before the international break.
Leeds had plenty of chances to win the match, as Joel Piroe shot long-range and Devis Vasquez denied Georginio Rutter, while Wilfried Gnonto was denied a penalty after being fouled by Dominic Iorfa in the box.
The Owls had their chances, with Josh Windass and Callum Paterson coming close, but both teams were forced to settle for a point.
On Wednesday, they entered the match in 23rd place in the table and despite being promoted from League One with Ipswich last season, their fortunes could not have been more contrasting.
The Tractor Boys continued their excellent start to the season after completing an incredible comeback to beat Cardiff City 3-2 at Portman Road last time out.
The Bluebirds appeared to have control of the match as goals from Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ralls either side of the break gave them a two-goal lead, but Ipswich pulled one back through Nathan Broadhead in the 59th minute.
Freddie Lapado scored from close range to equalize for the home team in the 68th minute and the substitute scored a second 10 minutes later to secure three points for Kieran McKenna’s side.
Ipswich are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Preston North End.
Wednesday could bring debuts for midfielders Jeff Hendrick and John Buckley following loan spells from Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers respectively.
The Owls have a near-fit squad to choose from and they could be bolstered by the return of winger Mallik Wilks after he was spotted training during the international break, but the midfielder Momo Diaby is still sidelined due to a foot injury.
Ipswich are sweating over the fitness of winger Wes Burns after he withdrew from the Wales squad with a hamstring injury.
Burns played the final 30 minutes of the 0-0 draw with South Korea last Thursday, but Wales coach Rob Page revealed he returned to Suffolk as a precaution.
The Tractor Boys will once again be without goalkeeper Christian Walton as he continues to recover from a foot injury, but defender Axel Tuanzebe could make his debut after completing a move to Portman Road last week.
Sky Sports presenter Prutton believes Wednesday’s difficult start to the season will continue against Ipswich, predicting a 2-0 win for the Tractor Boys.
Ipswich certainly go into the match as serious favourites.
It was a much improved performance from Wednesday when they picked up an excellent point against Leeds before the international break and if they can maintain this form they could have a chance of recording their first win in season this weekend.
But this will be an extremely tough test against a Tractor Boys side who have adapted perfectly to the Championship and although Burns’ potential absence will be a blow, McKenna still has plenty of attacking options dangerous in your own way.
The match may have been closer than many thought, but it’s hard to disagree with Prutton that Ipswich will take all three points.