Notts County vs Sheffield Wednesday - League One

The history between Notts County and Sheffield Wednesday lends this League One fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at Meadow Lane on October 20, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai remains a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter against LASK.

The standings add context to the occasion — Notts County occupying 23rd, Sheffield Wednesday perched in 6th — and the gap between them shapes the narrative. The hosts are badly in need of a turnaround, with LWLWL in their last five and a win rate of just 11.11% highlighting their struggles. Sheffield Wednesday have travelled reasonably well, WDWWD over their last five with a season win rate of 55.56%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Notts County average 0.89 per game to Sheffield Wednesday's 2.22, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Tim Sherwood makes his predictions for the new Premier League season, including who he thinks will make the top four in the table.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Notts County and Sheffield Wednesday have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer J. Marriott, with 8 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. United's scouts allegedly believe he has the potential to become a top-level centre-forward.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. On balance, Sheffield Wednesday may just have enough to take all three points. A 1-2 away win would not be a shock. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. In terms of outgoings, Perri seems closest to an exit, but that will likely have to wait until Trafford's mandated holiday after the World Cup is over or a No 2 arrives.