Can Challinor overcome an injury crisis? Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle prediction – 14.11.2026
On Saturday, November 14, Sheffield Wednesday will host Plymouth Argyle at Hillsborough in the 15th round of English League One. The match kicks off at 15:00 local time and promises to be an important contest in the promotion race. Wednesday sit ninth with 20 points from 13 games, while Plymouth occupy fifth place with 23 points from 14 matches. Only three points separate the teams, but both face significant selection problems ahead of this encounter.
Sheffield Wednesday: A new manager faces an immediate challenge
Sheffield Wednesday started the campaign with genuine promotion ambitions. Under Henrik Pedersen, the Owls collected 18 points from their opening nine league fixtures, establishing themselves among the early contenders. However, their momentum disappeared in October, and a four-match winless run in League One ultimately contributed to a change of management.
Following consecutive 2-0 defeats against Notts County and Doncaster Rovers, Wednesday drew 1-1 with both Cambridge United and Blackpool. The club subsequently appointed Dave Challinor, the former Stockport County manager, hoping his experience of securing promotions can help the team return to the Championship.
Challinor's first two matches have been disappointing. Wednesday suffered a 2-1 defeat after extra time against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup before losing 4-0 to Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy. Nevertheless, the latter result came with a heavily rotated and inexperienced side, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the team's prospects under their new manager.
The home advantage could prove crucial. Wednesday have conceded only twice in their last five home league matches, although four of those games ended in draws. More than 30,000 supporters are expected at Hillsborough, providing an excellent opportunity for Challinor to make an immediate impact in his first league fixture.
Barry Bannan remains an important figure in midfield, while Davis Keillor-Dunn has scored in his last two appearances. However, Wednesday's preparations have been complicated by a substantial injury list and international absences.
Plymouth Argyle: Strong away form, but important attacking losses
Plymouth Argyle have enjoyed a more successful league campaign so far. Tom Cleverley's team have recorded seven victories, two draws and five defeats, scoring 21 goals and conceding 19. Their fifth-place position keeps them firmly in contention for a play-off spot.
The Pilgrims experienced a difficult period in October, losing 2-0 to Huddersfield Town and 3-0 to Stevenage. However, they responded with an entertaining 3-2 away victory over Cambridge United before earning a goalless draw against Reading.
Their performances away from home deserve particular attention. Plymouth have won four of their last five away league fixtures, scoring 12 goals in that sequence. Cleverley's side are capable of playing aggressively, exploiting space behind opposition defenders and creating opportunities through quick transitions.
Yet the visitors have suffered a major setback ahead of their trip to Sheffield. Aribim Pepple, Plymouth's leading scorer with eight league goals, has been ruled out with a calf problem. Attacking midfielder Michael Baidoo has also suffered another hamstring injury shortly after returning to action.
Consequently, Will Evans, who has scored five goals this season, and Ronan Curtis are expected to carry greater attacking responsibility. Curtis has found the net in both of Plymouth's latest cup fixtures and could become a particularly important player in the absence of Pepple.
Team news: Both managers face difficult selection decisions
Sheffield Wednesday have several significant absentees. Max Lowe is expected to miss four to six weeks, while Reece James remains sidelined. Goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer is also unavailable, although Joe Lumley has returned to training and could be considered for selection.
Liam Cooper, Billy Mitchell and Louie Barry are approaching fitness, but their involvement remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Kieran Morrison, Sean Fusire, Jordi Liongola and Will Grainger are unavailable because of international commitments.
Plymouth are dealing with their own problems. In addition to Pepple and Baidoo, captain Joe Edwards, defender Julio Pleguezuelo, Matty Sorinola and Jared Rendle are sidelined. Alex Mitchell and Tyreeq Bakinson face late fitness assessments, although Caleb Watts has returned to training.
These absences could influence both managers' tactical decisions, particularly in defensive areas and the attacking transitions.
Match facts and head-to-head statistics
- Sheffield Wednesday have failed to win their last four League One matches.
- Plymouth Argyle have won four of their last five away league games.
- Wednesday have conceded just two goals in their last five home league fixtures.
- Plymouth have scored 12 goals in their last five away league matches.
- Sheffield Wednesday have won four of the last five meetings between the clubs.
- Their most recent encounter, in March 2025, ended in a 3-0 victory for Wednesday.
Prediction: Plymouth's away record could frustrate the new manager
Sheffield Wednesday will be determined to produce a positive response in front of their supporters, especially with Challinor taking charge of his first league match. The hosts possess enough quality to control possession and create opportunities, but their limited squad depth and recent lack of victories raise doubts about their ability to dominate for the entire 90 minutes.
Plymouth are also missing several important players, particularly in attack. The absence of Pepple significantly reduces their goalscoring threat, but Cleverley's team have demonstrated impressive resilience away from home. Their ability to exploit defensive mistakes and produce dangerous counterattacks should allow them to remain competitive at Hillsborough.
With both clubs managing serious personnel problems, a closely contested match seems likely. Wednesday's home advantage makes them dangerous, but Plymouth's superior recent away results suggest the visitors have a realistic chance of avoiding defeat. A draw would not be surprising, while an away victory remains possible if Argyle can capitalize on the hosts' defensive difficulties.
Prediction: Plymouth Argyle to win or draw (X2).
