Sheffield Wednesday boss Carvalhal predicts positive response against Leeds United

Following Sunday’s 4-2 defeat at home to Steel City rivals Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon, the Owls suffered further woe in the West Midlands on Wednesday night when they went down 1-0 to struggling Birmingham City.

Isaac Vassell’s first goal for the club since a £1.5m summer move from Luton earned the hosts a first win in nine games in all competitions, although they remain in the Championship drop zone on goal difference having collected four points from two games under temporary boss Lee Carsley.

The Owls, tipped by many to be in the promotion mix come the end of the season again, continue to find it difficult to get their season going and lie 14th in the table after 10 games.

Carvalhal was upset that striker Gary Hooper had a goal disallowed for offside, but is confident his side can lift themselves to face Leeds United, who were beaten 3-1 Cardiff City on Tuesday, the Bluebirds now top, just two points above the Blades, who moved second with an impressive 2-0 win at home to Wolves.

“I saw it, in my opinion it’s clearly onside,” said Carvalhal, when asked about the disallowed goal.

“It’s very similar to Birmingham’s goal, it was also onside because we had one player in line and Gary Hooper is exactly the same. If that goal is valid the story of the game is completely different.

“We have the quality to get out of this situation and Sunday against Leeds is a good game to play. I don’t have any reason to think the opposite (that he does not have the chairman’s support).”