Not really for solely for these set of fixtures but I have laid Sheff Wed for promotion on
Betfair at 3.5.
Top scorer Steven MacLean (19 goals this season), goalie David Lucas and centre half (and captain?) Graeme Lee last played for Wednesday on 12th March in a 3-2 win over Blackpool. The following week rather unluckily all 3 were injured and out for the season.
Wednesday have won 1 game since. A last minute 2-1 win at Hull on the day Hull were celebrating a confirmed promotion to the Championship. This run of 9 games with one win has even seen them draw 0-0 at home with a terrible terrible Stockport side. Now thats poor!
Due to the fact that it was before the transfer deadline Wednesday brought in a goalie (Paul Gallagher, from Norwich, ex Dundee Utd and a couple of Scotland caps). Also Alex Bruce, a centre half from Birmingham and Graham Barrett to replace MacLean up front. Barrett has had 5 starts, 1 sub and got 1 goal so he's no replacement for MacLean.
The other negative for Wednesday is that in the last league game of the season replacement keeper Gallagher got sent off in the 3-2 defeat by Bristol City. I assume he brought down a City player in the box because he was sent off and City scored a penalty all in the 80th minute of the match. Wednesday have mentioned they may appeal but I can't see on what grounds if the ref awarded the penalty. No word of it the appeal will go through though.
Overall none of the 4 sides in the play off have great recent form. However there is no doubt that Wednesday have the worst form of the 4 and have showed nothing of note since the triple injury blow in March. Its no surprise that when they have lost the spine of the side that their form has suffered so.
They face a difficult tie with a Brentford side very strong at home and who are actually getting the odd result away from home now. Wednesday also suffer from the large crowds and expectations/pressure at Hillsborough and their home record is mid table, not ideal for a promotion chasing side.
I actually see them going out to Brentford but overall I am happy to lay a side with such poor form in the league for promotion. I laid at 3.5 earlier this week and I think they are a little higher now but IMO still worth a lay at prices 3.8 and lower.