Just as Sheffield Wednesday looked to be building momentum, they’ve come crashing back down to earth with two disappointing defeats in a row.
However, they’ve received positive news that Massimo Luongo is back in contention for their first outing of 2020.
What’s been said?
The Owls head into the New Year full of uncertainty. What happens to the club after the controversy surrounding owner Dejphon Chansiri remains to be seen but they could well face a points deduction in the near future.
If that happens, Wednesday’s fate will be out of their hands. It’s likely they’ll be taken out of the race for promotion but if they’re not careful, their own performances might just do that as well.
After going six games unbeaten, they’ve lost successive fixtures against Stoke and Cardiff. If you had a look at the league table, they were both matches you’d expect Garry Monk’s men to win.
However, they shipped five goals in the process as their defence took a turn for the worst.
Missing 12-goal Steven Fletcher, they’ve also lacked a goal presence. What didn’t help, therefore, was being without Luongo against Cardiff as well.
Monk has since provided a positive update on his fitness, as reported by The Star:
“He felt a bit groggy within himself after the (Stoke) game but he is back out on the training pitch so hopefully he will be back in contention for the Hull game.”
Big boost
The Australian’s absence on Sunday afternoon saw Monk switch formations, deciding to play one up front with Adam Reach in behind.
However, Reach’s capabilities in the middle of the park simply weren’t good enough. Via WhoScored, He registered three unsuccessful touches while committing a solitary foul and also being dribbled past on one occasion.
That showed an ability to press the defence in what was a distinctly average performance.
Can you score at least 80% on this Ultimate Premier League Quiz? Test your knowledge now…
Luongo hasn’t been sensational this term but he’s certainly performed at a higher level than Reach. Scoring two goals this season, he’s been better in front of goal while he also offers greater care in possession.
So far in 2019/20, the former Ballon d’Or nominee has been unsuccessful with just 0.8 of his touches per game. Reach in comparison, manages 1.7 per game and has scored just once.
He has the ability to play in a variety of different positions but having Luongo back to play in central midfield will be a big boost against Hull. It’s clear they missed a calming influence such as his last Sunday.
Meanwhile, one Wednesday star was ridiculed after the defeat against Cardiff, being described as their worst signing of the Chansiri era…
