The Sheffield Wednesday dilemmas facing Darren Moore ahead of huge Sunderland clash tonight

Sheffield Wednesday travel to Wearside this evening as they take on Sunderland, looking to put themselves in the driving seat ahead of their home tie in the second leg.

The Stadium of Light is where this tie could be all but decided though, with the Owls needing to remain compact at the back if they want to come out of this crucial tie with a positive result, something they have a chance of doing after finishing above the Black Cats this term.

They will need to face their demons though after suffering a 5-0 defeat on Wearside this season, with their lack of centre-back options being exposed that evening as they started with just one centre-back.

That sole centre-back in Chey Dunkley was forced to come off in the first half in what was a nightmare scenario for Darren Moore’s men, who imploded after that during their final game of 2021.

With far more options at their disposal tonight, they will be looking to make this game a much more competitive one, something that will be needed if they want to have any chance of forcing their back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

There are a number of dilemmas for manager Moore to contend with ahead of this tie though – and we have taken a look at just three he will face as he takes charge of one of the most important games of his managerial career thus far.

Worth risking Bannan?

Barry Bannan is a doubt for this tie after picking up a knock against Portsmouth last weekend, a real blow for the Owls who will want to see one of their best players in the starting lineup.

Moore didn’t give too much away when he addressed the media yesterday – but did say he would assess the 32-year-old later on in the day and that could be crucial in judging whether he starts or not.

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