Sheffield Wednesday host AFC Wimbledon this weekend, with pressure on the team to show some attacking intent from the off. If so, does that mean Henrik Pedersen needs to make changes to the starting 11?

The Owls come into this game off a lucky draw away at Huddersfield Town. Wednesday were 2-0 down until the 88th minute and, thanks to an OG and penalty, brought a point back to South Yorkshire.

While Wimbledon possesses their own threat, there’s a real desire amongst the fanbase at Hillsborough to see some signs of improvement.

We have the latest Sheffield Wednesday team news, our predicted 11, scoreline and scorers.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News vs Wimbledon

Pedersen confirmed that Max Lowe has trained all week. The defender could therefore make his return to action this weekend.

Young defender Sil Swinkels has also returned to full training. HP has said the defender is improving a lot.

Another player who has trained all week is Ali Al-Hamadi. Pedersen told the media that:

“Ali has trained with full power this week.”

Wednesday fans haven’t seen Jordi Liongola since the first game of the season. The Owls boss has said that the right-sided player trained today. That suggests he might still be a couple of weeks away from returning to the squad.

The good news doesn’t stop there, though. Attacker Louie Barry is continuing his return to first-team action. Wednesday’s manager said:

“Louie Barry is running a lot and working hard with the ball.

“You can see from the smile on his face that he is getting better and better.”

HP💬 "Louie Barry is running a lot and working hard with the ball.

"You can see from the smile on his face that he is getting better and better." pic.twitter.com/FvaV9zA5Nm

— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) October 16, 2026

Defender Ricardo Santos will be out for this game. The Wednesday Word confirmed that Santos is back in the gym but is yet to return to full training.

One final piece of news is that Liam Cooper’s head injury wasn’t classed as a concussion, as reported by The Wednesday Word. That means the experienced defender can play this weekend.

Sheffield Wednesday Predicted 11

4-2-3-1: Lumley; Valery, Bernard, Cooper, James; Mitchell, Heskey; Morrison, Keillor-Dunn, Gray; Lowe.

The backline didn’t do too much wrong last weekend. A mistake by Reece James led to the first goal, but it’s likely too soon for Lowe to start; he might get some minutes from the bench though.

The midfield and three behind the striker is where Pedersen needs to make some changes. Bringing in the physicality and ball-carrying ability of Jaden Heskey, alongside Billy Mitchell, should help Wednesday take control of the midfield. Wednesday then have Barry Bannan, whom they can bring off the bench later in the game to control the game.

Kieran Morrison and Harry Gray would provide good outlets on either flank. They are both young and have shown glimpses of their potential, and Wednesday do need two wide options, so as not to isolate one winger.

Another big change HP should make is dropping Callum Slattery. The midfielder started the season well but has slowed down a little in recent weeks. Davis Keillor-Dunn made a real impact off the bench last weekend and needs to play centrally to get the best out of him. Having Slattery as an option off the bench is a great weapon for Pedersen.

Jamal Lowe will likely lead the line once again. He might not be involved in everything Wednesday do, but he’s shown this season he’ll score when needed. His experience up top is crucial for the Owls and should keep Mason Burstow out of the side.

Score Prediction

Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Wimbledon

Goalscorers: Lowe & DKD.