Sheffield Wednesday return to Championship action this afternoon but they will be without manager Darren Moore in the dugout after a fresh health concern, meaning assistant Jamie Smith will lead the Owls out for the fourth time in their last five games.

The South Yorkshire side will be looking to bridge the eight-point gap to safety but know that a defeat would all but confirm relegation to League One as there are only five games left to play, including this one.

Last time out, Wednesday were beaten by promotion-chasing Swansea City and now they welcome an out-of-form Bristol City to Hillsborough Stadium, with both teams desperate to pick up three points.

Moore may not be at the game but he will undoubtedly have a big say in terms of team selection, so here is our predicted XI along with the latest news from the Owls camp...

There could be three changes from the side that tasted defeat in midweek, though it is unlikely that any of their recent injury absentees feature just yet.

Between the sticks, we should see Keiren Westwood remain after his return to the starting XI on Tuesday night and Moore could well revert back to his usual back three, having tinkered it against Swansea.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-sheffield-wednesday-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip" title="Read this week's latest Sheffield Wednesday news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

That means Julian Borner and Tom Lees welcome back 20-year-old gem Osaze Urhoghide, with Sam Hutchinson moving into midfield to continue his partnership with Barry Bannan once again.

Adam Reach is surely going to keep his place at left wing-back, though the Owls boss could be tempted to inject a spark into his side on the other flank, so don't be surprised if forgotten man Kadeem Harris is given a run-out over 29-year-old Liam Palmer, despite starting eight of their last nine games.

Harris should give them more flair in attack, and let's face it, Wednesday need to score more goals to stand a chance of surviving.

The third and final change is likely to be in the attack with top goalscorer Callum Paterson returning alongside Jordan Rhodes up top, having been a casualty from the alterations in midweek.

Soon-to-be departing midfielder Liam Shaw will drop to the bench. The 20-year-old academy graduate is due to join Celtic at the end of the season.

As a result of Wednesday pairing the Scottish duo together, Josh Windass will drop deeper in a no.10 role behind the pair.

It does mean that the likes of Andre Green, Izzy Brown and Elias Kachunga are snubbed again despite the Owls' lack of fortunes.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Palmer drops Sheffield Wednesday dressing room claim over Darren Moore...