Preview: Five talking points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday v Bolton Wanderers

Following Tuesday night's encouraging draw at Reading, Wanderers are on the road again as they travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

With a victory enough to see the Whites leapfrog the Owls in the Sky Bet Championship table, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of Bolton's trip to Hillsborough.

1. Chasing the hat-trick

Wanderers will be looking to clinch a hat-trick of victories over Sheffield Wednesday this season when they travel to Hillsborough, having already between the Owls twice at Macron Stadium earlier in the campaign.

Goals from Dorian Dervite, loanee Adam Armstrong and Jem Karacan saw the Whites record a 3-2 victory to knock Wednesday out of the Carabao Cup back in August, before Sammy Ameobi inspired Bolton to their first league win of the season against the Owls in October.

With the Trotters winning four of their last five visits to Hillsborough, Wanderers will be eyeing up another victory knowing all three points would see them leapfrog Wednesday in the Sky Bet Championship table.

2. Away form

After putting in positive displays to claim back-to-back away draws at Norwich City and Reading, the Whites will be looking to build on both performances as they travel to an out-of-form Sheffield Wednesday.

Although Bolton have been victorious only once on their travels so far this season, that maiden win came in the Steel City against the Owls' fierce rivals Sheffield United. 

Boasting a strong recent record at Hillsborough, and with a big away following of over 1,800 currently set to make the trip, the Trotters will be feeling optimistic heading into Saturday's game.

3. Familiar faces

Mark Beevers is in line to face his former club this weekend having started his career at Sheffield Wednesday and been a member of the Owls side that won promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in 2011/12.

Starting 34 of Wanderers' 36 league outings this season (more than any other Whites player), the defender made 161 appearances and scored four goals during his time at Hillsborough.

Having scored his first goal of the campaign last weekend against Preston North End, Beevers will be hoping to impress against his former employers as Bolton look to finish the season strongly.

Meanwhile in the opposing camp, former Trotters loanee Barry Bannan could also line up against his former side if he recovers from injury, having enjoyed a successful half-season stint at Macron Stadium in 2014/15.

The Scotland international, who made 16 appearances during his time at BL6, has been sidelined since early-December but is closing in on a first team return after returning to training.

Both players will be afforded warm receptions from home and away supporters alike if they take to the field on Saturday.

4. Attacking options

Phil Parkinson reverted to a 4-2-3-1 system for Tuesday's trip to Reading in the absence of the injured Sammy Ameobi as he made seven changes to the side that faced Preston North End.

Adam Le Fondre impressed as the lone striker against his former club, while Darren Pratley caught the eye in the number 10 postition with Will Buckley and Filipe Morais both looking dangerous outwide.

Having scored against the Royals, Le Fondre will be hopeful of retaining his place, while Zach Clough, Tyler Walker, Aaron Wilbraham and new signing Chinedu Obasi are all waiting in the wings should Wanderers make further changes.

Ameobi could return if he recovers from a back injury, while Craig Noone is also in contention after making his own return from injury in midweek.

With competition for places strong, Parkinson has plenty to ponder ahead of the trip to Hillsborough.

5. Pay on the day

Tickets for Saturday's game will be available to purchase on the day of the game at Hillsborough.

Kicking off at 3pm, Whites supporters will be able to buy tickets from the away turnstiles on a cash-only basis on Saturday afternoon. There will be no price increase.

Any supporters who have organised for their tickets to be sent to Sheffield Wednesday for collection or have had their tickets duplicated, will be able to collect from Gate 6 which is situated next to the away turnstiles.

Prices

Adults: £20

Over-65s: £15

Under-21s: £15

Under-17s: £10

Under-11s: £5

Read Time: 4 mins