Many Thanks to Wednesday fan “Em” for giving us an oppo’s eye view of the game on Saturday night, possibly …just possibly, this might not be our last encounter with Sheffield Wednesday this season.
1 – Do your pre-season expectations for your team match the reality of where you are in the League 1 table?
At the end of last season there was a real sense that we might be doomed to drop down for a significant amount of time. Darren Moore worked some wonders with recruitment and as the season grew closer there were signs that he was steadying the ship. In with a shout of playoffs is about where I thought this squad would end up – I think automatics was too big an ask after such a big overhaul.
2 – With about a month left in the fixtures calendar, where do you see your club ending up in the League 1 table, and in the same manner where do you think the MK Dons will finish up?
I’m writing this at the end of March, so I might eat my words! I think Wednesday can steal 5th place. MK Dons look unstoppable, and I can see them taking the second automatic spot.
3 –The playoff picture is still very confused, who do you see going up as of right, and the four clubs to make the playoffs, and indeed the playoff winners?
Wigan and MK Dons going up automatics, with Rotherham, Plymouth, Wednesday, and Sunderland in the playoffs. Wednesday winning at Wembley!
4 – At the other end of the table the race for survival is also on, who do you think will get relegated?
Things are looking hopeless for Doncaster and Crewe. Gillingham have a bit of steel about them, and Wimbledon might do enough with a new manager. So, Morecambe and Fleetwood to take up the remaining relegation spots. It’s tight though!
Editor – This was written before Crewe were relegated on Saturday.
5 – Who for you is the best player in League 1?
It must be Mr. Cheat Code – Barry Bannan
6 – Who are the best and worst teams you have played this season?
The best: Plymouth have given us a good run for our money twice this season, in the cup and in the league. Even after Lowe left, they’ve still looked really threatening.
The worst: This would have shocked me at the start of the season, but I thought Charlton looked defeated and resigned when they came to Hillsborough.
7 – All fans love an away day; can you tell us the best and worst grounds you have visited and why?
I’m going out of League One here and saying the new Spurs stadium. I generally prefer old, classic grounds but it’s stunning. It’s got a brewery in it for a start.
Donny Rovers was a great day out, but the stadium felt quite sterile and I’m generally not a fan of grounds in retail parks. Sorry Donny!
8 – Can you tell us the style of play we can expect to see from your team?
We’ve become more and more versatile as the season’s gone on. We generally try to play out from the back but can mix up our passing with some long balls when needed. Most attacks are likely to come down the wings but watch out for Bannan having a pop from 25 yards!
9 – Can you give us a player from each team that you feel will have the greatest influence on the result of the game?
He’s had a couple of poor games, but an in-form Massimo Luongo is such a key player for us – breaking up play and allowing Bannan to push further forward has been vital to our success this season.
Twine is the obvious choice, although Troy Parrott seems to be popping up with goals lately. MK Dons have lots of threatening players.
10 – Thanks for taking part, all we need now is your prediction for the game?
I’m going for a 1-1, with Theo Corbeanu coming on as a sub and getting the inevitable late equaliser – it’s the Wednesday way.
