How Dave Challinor’s strongest Sheffield Wednesday XI will look as new boss gets to work

Following Dave Challinor's appointment as Sheffield Wednesday manager, James Ray analyzes how the new boss might assemble his strongest starting lineup. Challinor officially takes charge after watching the Owls draw 1-1 with Blackpool, stepping in to replace Henrik Pedersen. Tasked with guiding the club back to the Championship, Challinor is expected to implement his favored 3-4-2-1 formation using Wednesday's deep squad.

Ray argues that Challinor's ideal XI would feature Joe Lumley in goal behind a defensive trio of Di'Shon Bernard, Liam Cooper, and Ernie Weaver. Wing-backs Yan Valery and Max Lowe would flank midfielders Billy Mitchell and Callum Slattery, while Louie Barry and Davis Keillor-Dunn support striker Mason Burstow.