Sheffield Wednesday v Newcastle United- The finishing line is in sight

Fernando Forestieri will be expected to return to the Sheffield Wednesday starting line-up after missing the last four games through injury. The playmaker has 11 goals so far this season and will be identified as the biggest threat to the Magpies.

Defender Sasso is another who is set to make a comeback. The Frenchman has missed the last three games due to suspension.

Carlos Carvalhal has been dealt a massive blow, as Sam Hutchinson is definitely unavailable. The midfielder has yet to recover from the calf problem he sustained in the first half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Barnsley.

Ross Wallace and Gary Hooper came through the South Yorkshire derby with unscathed and will be fit for selection against top of the table Newcastle.

A midfield trio of Wallace, Bannan and Dave Jones is how the Owls will likely set up.

Almen Abdi and Kieran Lee are two long term absentees and will not play any part in the match.

Wednesday have an array of strikers to choose from. Hooper, Jordan Rhodes, Steven Fletcher, Sam Winnall and Atdhe Nuhiu are all in contention.

As for Newcastle, they will be without both Isaac Hayden and Jack Colback yet again. The pair missed the 1-0 win over Burton on Wednesday night. Hayden had just returned from a long term ankle issue, and felt slight tightness during his return. Colback is suffering from a virus.

Ayoze Perez will make his second consecutive start in the attacking midfield role, with Mo Diame again likely to slot in alongside Jonjo Shelvey.

DeAndre Yedlin is back in training, but the game will come too early for him. Vurnon Anita will probably resume duties at right-back.

Chancel Mbemba made his first appearance for the Magpies since November and will be desperate to retain his place. The Congolese man did not look short of match practice whatsoever.

Rolando Aarons has also stepped up recovery from a serious knee injury and could yet play a part for the Magpies during the end of the season run-in.

Daryl Murphy was back on the bench in midweek, but both he and Aleksandar Mitrovic will be left frustrated, as Dwight Gayle starts up front.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Likely line ups

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood, Hunt, Loovens, Lees, Reach, Jones, Wallace, Bannan, Forestieri, Fletcher, Rhodes

Newcastle: Darlow, Anita, Lascelles, Hanley, Dummett, Shelvey, Diame, Ritchie, Perez, Gouffran, Gayle

Score prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Newcastle United

The match has been selected for Sky Sports coverage. You can also follow by tuning into BBC Radio Newcastle's live match commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website.