Few clubs have had as much thrown at them throughout a torrid 2020-21 campaign as the Owls, whose vicissitudes began before a ball was kicked.

All that now awaits is confirmation of their relegation fate with the ‘fat lady’ clearing her throat and getting ready to burst into song.

Should Derby win at Preston this evening and Wednesday lose to a Blackburn side who beat them 5-0 at Hillsborough last January – a watershed moment when the club’s descent began – the hosts’ relegation to the third tier will be confirmed.

Holding the fort while Darren Moore recuperates is Jamie Smith – the sixth person to lead the club in games this term.

Moore is suffering from pneumonia triggered by his contraction of Covid-19, with the former Doncaster Rovers chief having been inundated with messages of goodwill from the football world since the news broke.

It remains to be seen if Moore is fit enough able to return to the touchline this season after taking a leave of absence.

If he does, the sight of him would at least provide one positive development in a desperately difficult campaign for the club.

Owls players Adam Reach and Barry Bannan drag themselves off the pitch after throwing away a win against Bristol City (Picture: Steve Ellis)

Smith commented: “Hopefully, that is the case. But he is just taking it day by day.

“Darren has been struggling and is resting up and hopefully we can get him back as soon as possible

“We are able to speak to him over the phone and stuff and there is still that contact.

“It has been a tough time, but we have got to keep fighting.”

Wednesday face a Rovers side who realistically ended any lingering threat of relegation with Friday’s victory over Derby County at Ewood Park.

It did the Owls a bit of favour, but their weekend draw with Bristol City has dampened any talk of an unlikely ‘Great Escape’.

Wednesday will probably have to win all of their remaining four games and rely on favours elsewhere to somehow survive.

Last six games: Sheffield Wednesday WLWLLD; Blackburn DDLLDW.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).

Last time: Blackburn 0 Sheffield Wednesday 5, January 18, 2020; Championship.

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Sheffield Wednesday v Blackburn Rovers - Drop looms for Darren Moore’s ailing Owls