Previous play-off heartbreak will have no bearing on Saturday's Sheffield Wednesday clash, says Peterborough United boss

On Saturday (September 5), the two sides will meet for the first time since that fateful day on May 18, 2023 when Wednesday overturned a 4-0 first leg deficit against Posh in the League One Play Off semi-final, winning on spot kicks after a 5-1 victory after extra time.

In February, Will Blackmore became the final member of the 18-man squad at Hillsborough to leave the club. Sheffield Wednesday still have starters Barry Bannan as well as goalscorers Liam Palmer and Reece James from that night and all three are in contention to feature on Saturday.

Harley Mills and James Dornelly were in the youth ranks for Posh, but did not make their senior debuts until the following season.

For this reason, Williams has played down the fixture even though close to 4,000 travelling fans are certain bring it up throughout the game.

He instead welcomed the challenge ‘The Owls’ would bring in one of the standout games of the season’s fixture list.

Williams said: “We don't have anyone still involved from that day so for that reason, it won’t have so much as an impact.

“It was incredible, I was away with my staff in Palma and it was as if I went away and when I came back there had been four goals. It was bizarre and crazy. I am sure that would have some effect on anyone that was involved in that, but for this group, they are protected by the fact they have no knowledge of it.

“It's a real challenge. I've been to Hillsborough a few times and its something special. They have some very good players, I have worked with a few of them. They are a very talented group.

"We couldn't be happier because it’s a great game for us and a big club coming to play us. I expect a big crowd so it’s a brilliant fixture for the level.

“They have quality on the pitch, but also a way of evolving their shape when they defend and attack, which is very sophisticated and causes a lot of problems. We expect to face a very well organised team.

“I should think they will be one of the favourites for promotion.

“We will be doing our very best to make sure we first give our fans something to cheer and quieten the travelling fans and then that we are in the game and looking like we are there to win and attack. It’s easier said than done, but that will be the intention.”

Wednesday will be without forward Louie Barry after he was ruled out with ankle ligament damage following Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Wycombe. He scored in that game and grabbed a hat-trick in April as Posh were comfortably beaten at Stockport.

Former Posh defender Ricardo Santos joined Wednesday in the summer but missed Tuesday’s match through injury and is in a race against time to prove his fitness to face his former side.