Barnsley FC v Sheffield Wednesday: Predicted starting XI for Darren Moore's Owls ahead of League One play-off final at Wembley

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Published 29th May 2023, 06:00 BST

Sheffield Wednesday are one game away from the Championship and it is Barnsley who stand in their way of a return to the second tier.

The Owls appeared dead and buried in the play-offs when they suffered a 4-0 defeat in the first leg of their semi-final against Peterborough United. However, a historic comeback booked their place at Wembley.

Wednesday boss Darren Moore must now decide whether to drop any of his comeback heroes, an unenviable task ahead of today’s (May 29) 3pm kick-off. The Yorkshire Post has attempted to predict Moore's starting XI.

Here is who we think Moore will select.

. Predicted XI

Here is who we think Moore will select. Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Having leapfrogged David Stockdale in the pecking order and making the number one position his own, Dawson appears likely to start at Wembley.

. Cameron Dawson (GK)

Having leapfrogged David Stockdale in the pecking order and making the number one position his own, Dawson appears likely to start at Wembley. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images

It has been confirmed Iorfa is fit following an injury scare and he is available to Moore.

. Dominic Iorfa (CB)

It has been confirmed Iorfa is fit following an injury scare and he is available to Moore. Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images

He was a standout in the comeback against Peterborough United.

. Michael Ihiekwe (CB)

He was a standout in the comeback against Peterborough United. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images

A toure de force just about any time he has strapped his boots up to play against Wednesday, Ghana international Ayew is no spring chicken at 33 but in terms of offering a bit of x-factor, the Owls could do a lot worse. Reportedly has offers from Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Turkey.

1. Andre Ayew

A toure de force just about any time he has strapped his boots up to play against Wednesday, Ghana international Ayew is no spring chicken at 33 but in terms of offering a bit of x-factor, the Owls could do a lot worse. Reportedly has offers from Saudi Arabia, the MLS and Turkey. | Getty Images

It’s confused one or two that he doesn’t have a club yet. Also a Ghana international, he’s a good age at 27 and played a big part in the Brentford team that did so well at Championship level. Operates more as a winger than a striker but can deliver something tricky.

2. Tarique Fosu

It’s confused one or two that he doesn’t have a club yet. Also a Ghana international, he’s a good age at 27 and played a big part in the Brentford team that did so well at Championship level. Operates more as a winger than a striker but can deliver something tricky. | Getty Images

Not long ago the source of transfer interest from a handful of Championship clubs, Republic of Ireland international Curtis is on the comeback trail from injury and is still training with Portsmouth despite his free agent status. Has turned down reduced terms at Fratton Park, with Blackburn reportedly interested in taking him on.

3. Ronan Curtis

Not long ago the source of transfer interest from a handful of Championship clubs, Republic of Ireland international Curtis is on the comeback trail from injury and is still training with Portsmouth despite his free agent status. Has turned down reduced terms at Fratton Park, with Blackburn reportedly interested in taking him on. | Getty Images

His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli cut short, Grabban has enjoyed success against Wednesday in years gone by. He’s no stranger to South Yorkshire having played at Rotherham United previously and at 35 would represent a short-term option.

4. Lewis Grabban

His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli cut short, Grabban has enjoyed success against Wednesday in years gone by. He’s no stranger to South Yorkshire having played at Rotherham United previously and at 35 would represent a short-term option. | Getty Images

Darren Moore League One Peterborough United Yorkshire Post Wembley