On Friday, the Spanish LaLiga team Leganes utilized Sheffield Wednesday’s Middlewood Road training ground. This visit marks the club’s first-ever trip to the United Kingdom. Later in the afternoon, they are set to face Sheffield Wednesday in a match that serves as both a testimonial for Liam Palmer and Wednesday’s final preseason friendly before the Championship season begins.
Known as Los Pepineros, Leganes had been training in Burnley prior to this and played a friendly against the Clarets last week, which ended in a 0-0 draw. They hope for a better outcome at Hillsborough, although Danny Röhl and his team aim to spoil their visit. Sheffield Wednesday hosted the reigning Segunda Liga champions graciously, allowing them access to the Middlewood Road facilities, including the pitches and gym, to prepare for today’s 1 pm match. Their English social media accounts described the experience as ‘wonderful.’ Despite not having much success in their preseason games, with a loss to AD Alcorcón and draws against Burnley and OGC Nice, Leganes are eager to secure a victory in South Yorkshire as they gear up for their first season back in the top flight.
Leganes’ top scorer from last season, Miguel de la Fuente, is expected to feature in today’s game. However, there are uncertainties regarding the participation of another striker, Diego Garcia, who missed their last game. Enric Franquesa also did not play in the previous match. Sheffield Wednesday is expected to field a strong team for Palmer’s testimonial, with the veteran player set to captain the side before passing the armband back to Barry Bannan for the season opener against Plymouth Argyle next weekend.