Wednesday will line up at Watford this afternoon in the German’s curtain raiser and after they enjoyed a few weeks of work under the new boss.
When facing up against a back four, the Hornets have been less successful against their opponents in terms of scorelines, bagging 0.8 goals per 90 minutes while conceding 1.2 per 90.
They perform better than their back four opponents in terms of xG, however, creating chances at a rate of 1.14 xG to their 0.8.
With an admittedly smaller data sample in terms of minutes played, Championship sides have had more success against Watford with a back three or back five, scoring 1.75 per 90 to the Hornets’ 1.5 and achieving an xG of 1.75 to their 1.01.
A back three tends to open their matches up more, it seems.
With that in mind - and we’re aware we’re clutching at straws here - we’ve plumped for a back three with wing-backs.
Here’s how Danny Rohl’s Wednesday could line up at Vicarage Road this afternoon.
1. GK - Cameron Dawson
The goalkeeping spot is the first complete shot in the dark on this one. Devis Vasquez could well take the spot given his technical ability, but has been ill for much of the week. Dawson kept a clean sheet last time out.
2. RCB - Dominic Iorfa
Has pace and the ability to take Wednesday up the pitch - which will be important. If it is decided the Owls go with a back three you’d fancy he slides in somewhere. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. CB - Michael Ihiekwe
A commanding presence at his best, Ihiekwe was rarely used under Xisco but performed well in his return appearance against Huddersfield. Offers a bit of everything not least leadership.
4. LCB - Akin Famewo
Has had lows among the highs this season. His level of fitness is not yet known - last official word on his injury was positive - and provides strength and balance on the left of a three. Di’Shon Bernard arrived late in the week from international duty and Rohl won’t have seen much of him. We’ll see.