Burton v Sheff Wed: Fletcher and Hooper combo

Fletcher celebrates at the Cottage – swfc.co.uk

Last season, this was the game that saw Burton kick-start their survival bid. They had had a degree of bad luck in their first two games and in that 3-1 win, we saw what they are capable of: good use of wide areas, a strong work ethic and a togetherness that enables them to perform above the sum of their parts.

That togetherness was on show again 12 months later, as the Brewers came from behind last Friday night to get their first win and points of the season. For a 20-minute period at the start of the second half, they attacked with real intensity, penning Birmingham back into their defensive third. They also scored two good goals in that period: a fine low strike from Marvin Sordell before Lloyd Dyer showed good footwork to slot home the winner.

Sheffield Wednesday should have the strength to withstand those inevitable barrages, with David Jones ably protecting the back-four. The key during those periods will be to find Adam Reach, who is capable of carrying them up the pitch.  His influence is reflected in the fact that 43% of the Owls’ play comes down the left channel (WhoScored), a higher proportion than any other team.

The ex-Middlesbrough man’s pace, dynamism and crossing ability was key to a second half onslaught against Sunderland, for which Wednesday were rewarded with just one point. They had also dominated much of the second half against QPR four days earlier and again only drew, so perhaps they were due a slice of luck at Craven Cottage last time out.

They came under the cosh against Fulham but their back-line impressed, Tom Lees solid as ever with auxiliary centre-back Daniel Pudil dominating the opposing number nine. The winning goal came from a clinical finish from their own number nine, Steven Fletcher, who has struck up a nice partnership with Gary Hooper.

When games aren’t going Wednesday’s way, Hooper has the intelligence to drop a little deeper to influence things in the middle third and draw defenders out of position, creating more space for Fletcher. As proficient as Sam Winnall and Jordan Rhodes are at scoring goals, they perhaps don’t have the same tactical awareness as Hooper.

If his partnership with Fletcher thrives again, Carlos Carvalhal’s side should be good enough to break down the Brewers. In the first half against Birmingham, we saw Nigel Clough’s side’s defensive imperfections, which are to be expected with a makeshift-back line.

The closest they had to a right wing-back was Matty Lund, a central midfielder by trade. On the left their assigned wing-back was Dyer, who caught the eye going forward, but his attacking mind-set meant he left too much space in front of Kyle McFadzean. The ex-MK Dons centre-back is committed enough but wouldn’t get into too many Championship sides, Tom Naylor is arguably playing out of position and Jake Buxton’s injury and age has limited his mobility. Although, Ben Turner might be given his first league start after his cup performance at Cardiff in midweek.

The defence was exposed against Hull and Middlesbrough. If Wednesday show their clinical side, they could dish out similar punishment.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 1-3