This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Sheffield Wednesday missed an opportunity to cement their name firmly in playoff contention last Friday night as Cardiff City salvaged a point in the Welsh capital.
The Owls have every right to feel aggrieved after Lee Tomlin’s free-kick sailed in with less than three minutes remaining despite centre-back Aden Flint appearing to block the goalkeeper’s vision.
Their own defender Julian Borner had given them an early first-half lead with a sublime volley that a striker would have been proud of, but that wasn’t enough to secure all three points.
Now Garry Monk’s side host Stoke City, who appear to have turned the tide as they head into this match on the back of successive victories.
But the 40-year-old may be without one of his vital defensive cogs, shot-stopper Keiren Westwood.
On the Chalkboard
It remains to be seen whether the Owls’ number one will be available for selection at Hillsborough on Tuesday night, but it seems unlikely given that he had to pull out of Friday’s game just ten minutes before kickoff and with two games in under five days, he may not be risked.
Several of the Wednesday faithful were left blasting his replacement Cameron Dawson for his role in the equaliser, but Monk has since heaped praise on the 24-year-old for his performance.
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He said: “I have to give massive credit to Cameron. It is not an easy thing to go through, especially when you are a goalkeeper.
“It is a little bit easier for outfield players but I thought Cameron was excellent against Cardiff and he made a great save at the end. I was really pleased for him.”
But this will still come as a major cause for concern to the Owls chief as he has preferred Westwood over Dawson since his arrival at the club, despite the younger shot-stopper keeping two clean sheets in three starts, per Transfermarkt.
Changes also haven’t swung in Wednesday’s favour this season, as seen with Steven Fletcher’s injury – his absence saw them struggle in front of goal against Hull City, only highlighting a possible reliance on him.
There’s even an argument to say that Flint wouldn’t have got away with his actions on the equalising free-kick had a more experienced head like the Irishman been between the sticks.
With Dawson not in form and Westwood potentially sidelined, issues are there to be had in defence.
