Team news

Megson ponders team shake-up Sheffield Wednesday manager Gary Megson has hinted at several changes for the home clash with Stevenage.

Megson's side, who lost ground in the automatic promotion race after a 2-1 defeat at Exeter at the weekend, could be without defender Miguel Llera.

The centre-half was forced off at Exeter due to concussion and is rated 50/50. Skipper Rob Jones stepped off the bench and will continue alongside Danny Batth if the Spaniard fails to make it.

Megson has no other new injury or suspension worries, but defender Reda Johnson will sit out the second game of a two-match ban.

Jon Otsemobor is pushing for a recall at right-back after missing out altogether at the weekend and both midfielder Chris Lines and striker Ryan Lowe are pushing for returns to the starting line-up.

The Owls are in second place, a point above Sheffield United, but have played two games more than their rivals.

Gary Smith will finally take charge of his first league game as Stevenage manager against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Smith, who replaced Graham Westley towards the end of last month, began his Boro reign against Notts County in the FA Cup on January 28 and that remains the only game during his short time at the helm.

The former Colorado Rapids boss named an unchanged line-up against the Magpies having watched from the stands as Stevenage came from behind to beat MK Dons in captain Mark Roberts' final game as caretaker player-manager.

Smith is again expected to keep any changes to a minimum and could even name the same team again.

Sheff Wed vs Stevenage

Last modified 22:37 14/02/12

Owls wings clipped by Boro Sheffield Wednesday's automatic promotion hopes were dealt another blow with a 1-0 defeat at home to Stevenage.

Following Saturday's 2-1 reverse at Exeter, Gary Megson's men lost again after a goal from Scott Laird just before half-time.

Wednesday's Chris O'Grady threatened to score in the second minute when he fired in a shot on the run which was tipped over by goalkeeper Chris Day.

Day was also called into action to keep out Jermaine Johnson's firm drive.

Stevenage's Michael Bostwick put a couple of efforts off-target and had a shot saved by Stephen Bywater before the visitors scored the only goal of the game in the 45th minute.

Joel Byrom's corner was met by a far-post header from Chris Beardsley and Laird turned the ball past Bywater from close range.

David Prutton went close to scoring with a close-range shot which Day managed to keep out.