Sheffield Wednesday find themselves in a similar position after 19 games as they were in the 2015/16 campaign, currently sixth in the Championship.

Some fans remain optimistic that the remainder will see the Owls fly up the table in hope of taking the giant leap to the Premier League.

In a division where everyone can beat anyone on their day, only consistency seems to stand in the way of Sheffield Wednesday finding themselves in the top four positions.

Other fans, however, remain ‘glass half empty’ as they judge Wednesday’s season on some average performances by their standards.

Quite a hefty summer spending spree has also inflicted these opinions on some fans as expectations are high after the blue and white wizards reached the play-off final last term.

With these mixed opinions baring in mind, Shoot!‘s Louis Shackshaft takes an in depth look at ‘What’s Hot and What’s Not’ at Sheffield Wednesday so far this season…

HOT – Fernando Forestieri

Only two months ago, Forestieri may have found himself in the ‘What’s Not’ feature having made a nuisance of himself at the club after refusing to play against Norwich City.

It was claimed that Fernando wasn’t in the right state of mind due to media speculation of a transfer away from the club.

This outburst was quickly brushed under the carpet and handled perfectly by the management. Although Forestieri would be the first to admit his form has been somewhat short of last season’s dazzling performances, recent fixtures have seen the little Argentinean back at his best.

Now the club’s top goalscorer with six and a few assists to his name; Forestieri’s determination, desire, skill and recent Player of the Month award proves that the Wednesday number 45 is a quality player and probably one of the Owls’ finest in a long time.

Forestieri is a key asset if Wednesday are to get anywhere close to the Premier League this season. ‘Fessi’ however, will now unfortunately serve a suspension after getting sent off last weekend at home to Preston North End.

NOT – Goal difference

Sheffield Wednesday currently have a plus one (+1) goal difference in the division, with 22 goals for and 21 goals against.

This certainly needs to improve if the Owls are to confirm a top six finish this season.

Only Newcastle and Brighton have a substantial plus goal difference. Every other team from third to 22nd is not dissimilar, proving the fact that many teams in the league are as good as each other on their day.

In addition, Sheffield Wednesday’s form has wavered both home and away this term also. Every fan knows that consistency is key to a giant leap in the league table.

It seems the Owls are just a couple of goals per month away from maintaining a higher league position.

HOT – Sam Hutchinson

Regarded as one of Sheffield Wednesday’s best players this season, Sam Hutchinson has without question become a fans favourite at S6.

Dogged and influential performers have seen the Owls number 23 pick up a handful of Man of the Match awards this term.

Hutchinson began the campaign at centre-back and now finds himself in his rightful position in defensive midfield.

Prepared to put his body on the line at any given moment, Sam is arguably Wednesday’s Player of the Season so far and simply cannot be left out of the starting XI.

NOT – Almen Abdi

Abdi arrived at S6 with huge expectations. A fee reported to be around £4m only added weight onto the attacking midfielder’s shoulders.

Since his arrival, his career in Sheffield has just simply not taken off. Having played on the left wing and through the middle in a handful of games, lacklustre performances have seen the Wednesday playmaker dropped from the matchday squad.

Manager Carlos Carvalhal claimed that he expects Abdi to come good given time, however, a lot of adaptations to the Owls’ style of play must take place before he is considered as a first-team player.

HOT – Dejphon Chansiri

It seems every Sheffield Wednesday fan adores this man. Chairman Dejphon Chansiri seems level headed, true to his word, admirable and dedicated to the cause.

Questions are certainly asked when a new Chairman arrives on the scene; it must be said, “so far so good”.

The Thai businessman has dipped his hands in his pockets on many occasions, not only to improve the squad, but to dramatically improve the general infrastructure of the club.

Although Chansiri still has a lot of work to do before the Owls can rest easy as a Premier League club, he is well respected and Wednesdayites are very thankful for his hard work to date.

NOT – Injuries

Every team in the league suffers from injuries at some stage of the season. Wednesday’s biggest blow this campaign found skipper Glenn Loovens out for an extensive period.

Loovens may be on the wrong side of 30 with little pace, however, his presence, experience and steady defensive displays have been missed in the majority of games this season.

Loovens’ return has seen him pair up with Tom Lees and also allows Hutchinson to slot back into defensive midfield.

Gary Hooper is another name now hit by injury and is unfortunately sidelined until January.

Wednesday’s final league position this season may be determined by good or bad luck on the injury front.

HOT – Kieran Lee

Media speculation has recently linked Kieran Lee to Sunderland.

This can only be expected as Lee has established himself as Sheffield Wednesday’s most consistent performer. Rising to the challenge on many occasions, the Owls number five has begun to add goals to his game.

Lee has four goals this campaign; two of those were last minute winners against Bristol City and Nottingham Forest.

Wednesdayites can only ask for Lee to keep doing what he is doing on the field of play without finding an interest in a move away from the club in January.