Ahead of tonight’s League One play-off semi final first leg, Digital Sports Writer Matty Jones has a look at the key battles we could see between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light…

Ross Stewart vs Jordan Storey

The Northern Echo: Sunderland striker Ross Stewart has 22 goals this season

Last time these two teams met, Stewart bagged himself a hat-trick against the Owls in a 5-0 win who had to field a depleted defence as they attempted to cope with an injury crisis in the squad.

Storey was absent for that game so the task for Sunderland’s leading marksman just got a bit harder.

On the flip side, Storey will have his hands full to keep the free scoring Scotsman at bay who has 24 goals to his name this season in all competitions.

Strong, quick, mobile and a deadly finisher, Stewart has the capacity to make it a really difficult night for Storey when he is at the top of his game.

Corry Evans vs Barry Bannan

The Northern Echo: Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan.Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan.

Two experienced heads who arguably could be playing higher up the pyramid.

A fan’s favourite at Hillsborough, Bannan possesses a range of passing and a wand of a left foot that makes him one of the technically gifted midfielders in League One. Add physicality and an add for a goal and he becomes a player that Sunderland need to watch out for.

That task should be handed to Corry Evans who has no problem in being the destroyer in the heart of the Black Cats midfield. But he has so much more to his game than sitting at the base.

He begins the attacks and links the moves from defence to midfield to attack. An intriguing battle awaits which could define the outcome of the game.

Bailey Wright vs Lee Gregory

The Northern Echo: Lee Gregory in action for Sheffield Wednesday.Lee Gregory in action for Sheffield Wednesday.

With eight goals in his last eight games, Gregory stands out as the leagues in form striker heading into the play-offs and his goalscoring run has come at a huge time in their season.

A deadly finisher inside the box, Sunderland will need to make sure that don’t Gregory the slightest inkling of a chance.

With that in mind, Wright will have to call on all of his experience over the course of his career to make sure he can keep him quiet throughout both legs. The Australian has been involved in promotion and relegation battles so is well equipped for the play-offs.