Hillsborough is buzzing as Sheffield Wednesday prepares to face Portsmouth in their last home match of the season. Manager Danny Röhl has shaken things up, confirming two changes to the starting XI for the April 26 showdown, according to the club’s official announcement. The Owls, scrapping for every point, are set to bring their A-game to a packed stadium.
The lineup sees Michael Ihiekwe and Jadan Armstrong slotting into the starting eleven, replacing Michael Otegbayo and Svante Ingelsson, who drop to the bench. The rest of the squad holds steady: Pierce Charles in goal, a backline of Yan Valery, Sam Charles, Ihiekwe, and Marvin Johnson, with Armstrong joining captain Barry Bannan and Liam Paterson in midfield. Up top, Djeidi Gassama, Josh Windass, and Michael Smith will look to puncture Portsmouth’s defense. The bench is stacked with options—James Beadle, Max Palmer, Yuki Hatsuse, Nathaniel Chalobah, Ingelsson, Anthony Musaba, Olaf Kobacki, Charlie McNeill, and Ike Ugbo—ready to swing the game if called upon.
Röhl’s tweaks come after a detailed injury update earlier in the week, where he signaled a cautious approach to managing player fitness for this crucial fixture. The gaffer’s been tight-lipped on strategy, but the inclusion of Ihiekwe, a seasoned defender, suggests a focus on shoring up the back. Armstrong’s nod in midfield could spark some fresh energy, especially against a Portsmouth side that’s also ringing changes.
Portsmouth, meanwhile, are rolling into Hillsborough with their own shake-up. Their official channels confirmed five swaps to their starting lineup, with Toby Killip, Nico Devlin, Joe Shaughnessy, Andre Dozzell, and Harvey Blair coming in for Jordan Williams, Matt Ritchie, Owen Poole, Johan Schmid, and Adil Aouchiche. The visitors are clearly looking to unsettle Wednesday’s rhythm, setting the stage for a proper scrap.
The match kicks off on April 26 at Hillsborough, with both sides desperate to end the home campaign on a high. Wednesday’s faithful will be out in force, roaring the Owls on in what promises to be a tense, gritty battle. No word on injuries or suspensions beyond the confirmed lineups, and both managers are keeping tactical cards close to their chests.
Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI: Pierce Charles, Yan Valery, Sam Charles, Michael Ihiekwe, Marvin Johnson, Jadan Armstrong, Barry Bannan (c), Liam Paterson, Djeidi Gassama, Josh Windass, Michael Smith. Substitutes: James Beadle, Max Palmer, Yuki Hatsuse, Nathaniel Chalobah, Svante Ingelsson, Olaf Kobacki, Anthony Musaba, Charlie McNeill, Ike Ugbo. Portsmouth’s starting XI includes Toby Killip, Nico Devlin, Joe Shaughnessy, Andre Dozzell, and Harvey Blair, with five players dropped from their previous match.