YORK City supporters should expect ‘plenty of noise’ from the travelling Sheffield Wednesday fan base on Saturday, according to Sheffield Star journalist Joe Crann.

The Minstermen kick-off their pre-season campaign this afternoon at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday, July 8 (1.30pm), with Sky Bet Championship outfit Sheffield Wednesday travelling to North Yorkshire for their first match under the tutelage of Xisco Munoz.

Sheffield Star journalist Joe is expecting a close-knit affair between the two sides, as the Owls continue to gel under their new direction and York begin a new era under the ownership of the Uggla family.

It’s early days, but how excited are the Wednesday fanbase about the new manager, and are there any ideas on how he’ll likely setup on Saturday?

I think the excitement is starting to creep back in now. There was a real lull after Darren Moore left, but with a new manager at the helm who seems to be really passionate and very likeable there’s a feeling that it’s time to move on and give him a chance to show what he’s about.

We have no idea about setup yet though, because he basically said he’s not coming here with a set formation - so we’ll just have to wait and see!

Are there any Wednesday players likely to start the York should look out for as a danger?

It’s tough to say who should be looked out for given that it’s the first preseason game and we’ve no idea who will or won’t be available for selection - and he’s already said that a number of the youngsters will be getting 45 minutes out there at the LNER Stadium.

Barry Bannan is the obvious one, but Mallik Wilks could be back with a real point to prove under a new manager, and Josh Windass is a real threat in so many ways if he plays. Of the up-and-comers, Joey Phuthi and Rio Shipston are worth a look.

What sort of atmosphere are you expecting from the Wednesday fanbase, with up to 3,000 potentially in attendance?

They’ll do what they always do! Wednesday fans turn up in numbers all the time, and it’ll be no different for this one. Expect plenty of noise because they’ve been talking about this game ever since it got announced, everyone’s really looking forward to it.

There’s also the added factor of David Stockdale, so there will be a few chants about him as the day goes on as well - he really endeared himself to the Wednesday faithful.

What are your personal thoughts towards the match, and just how much do you enjoy pre-season friendlies to the lower division sides?

I’m looking forward to it, I’ve got friends who are York fans and it’s my first visit to the new stadium, so it’s an exciting one.

With the new manager coming in it’s the first time we’ll get to see how he works, the sort of formation we can expect from him, and also which players are fit and available at this juncture.

It’s brilliant going to lower division sides in pre-season because the games are always so good natured and it’s lovely to watch some football without jeopardy once in a while! Looking forward to seeing some of the younger players strut their stuff as well.

Any score predictions?

Now you’re asking! Who knows?! I’m going to go with a 4-2 Wednesday win - I think.