Sheffield Wednesday v Huddersfield Town: Semedo not expecting another eight-goal thriller

JOSE SEMEDO believes tonight’s Hillsborough derby will struggle to live up to last season’s eight-goal thriller between Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town.

The 27-year-old Owls captain was part of Gary Megson’s side which drew 4-4 with Lee Clark’s outfit, when former Terriers striker Jordan Rhodes netted all four goals.

“Derbies are always unpredictable,” said Semedo. “You can never say what is going to happen, all you know for sure is it is going to be emotional and a big atmosphere.

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“Last season was a cracker, a crazy game, incredible. I don’t think it’s going to be so many goals like last season.”

Back-to-back defeats for Wednesday have taken the wind out of their sails after a six-month unbeaten run, but Semedo refuses to be downbeat.

“I think the season has gone quite well, but for the two defeats on the bounce. We have many new players and need to get used to each other.

“We have always kept our feet on the ground, we never thought it was going to be easy.

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“There is a big difference between League One and the Championship, that’s for sure. But we were too good to be in League One that’s why we are here.

“But in the Championship if you make one mistake it likely costs you a goal. There are so many good players in this division.

“We need to work on our defence, but it’s nothing we can’t make adjustments to our game.

“It’s not about confidence, the confidence is always there. We believe in ourselves. We can’t control the results, all we can do is our best and this is the mentality we have got.

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“The most beautiful thing in football is you always get another chance. Our next chance is against Huddersfield.”

Simon Grayson, meanwhile, has warned his side to be wary of a Wednesday side likely to be smarting from their first two defeats under manager Dave Jones.

He said: “They will be hugely disappointed losing the way they did against Brighton. They haven’t been used to losing games under Dave.

“He has put together a strong, competitive team that has pace in the wide areas. They are also very good from set-pieces.

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“Dave will have tried to bring in a few of his own ideas and players over the summer. When he went in there as manager, there wasn’t much to change – all he had to do was continue what had been done and get them over the line.

“We know what to expect and we will treat them with the utmost respect but I want to concentrate on what we can do to hurt them.”

Grayson has no fresh injury problems ahead of the game other than Oscar Gobern, who is suffering with an ankle injury.

Last six games: Sheffield Wednesday DWWWLL, Huddersfield Town LLDWDW.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).

Last time: Sheffield Wednesday 4 Huddersfield Town 4; December 17, 2011; Championship.