Big Match Breakdown: Sunderland v Sheffield Wednesday

Odds, preview and tips for Carabao Cup clash

The Carabao Cup first round draws to a close this evening as Sunderland host Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light.

These sides are separated by a single division following the Black Cats’ relegation from League One last season. But as Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle showed on Tuesday night, anything can happen in this competition.

You can catch the action live on Sky Sports Football or Sky Sports Main Event from 7:45pm this evening. And the Coral News Team have previewed the match with a Big Match Breakdown.

Head-to-Head

Both sides have primarily plied their trade in the top two divisions of English football. Yet head-to-head meetings between the pair have been few and far between. Tonight represents only their eleventh match-up since 1985.

Wednesday won 3-1 when the sides last met at the Stadium of Light back in April to end a run of 10 games without a win on Wearside dating back to 1969.

Likely XIs

Black Cats’ boss Jack Ross could make several changes to his side following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Luton Town. Reece James and Duncan Watmore could return, while Luke O’Nien and Luke Molyneux may also start. Adam Matthews picked up an injury at Kenilworth Road and is out.

The Owls may rotate their squad ahead of Sunday’s visit to Brentford. That could mean recalls for Atdhe Nuhiu, who returns from suspension, and starts for Joe Wildsmith, Jordan Thorniley, George Boyd and Marco Matias among others.

Key Battles

Both sides’ strengths lie in different areas. Sunderland are more of a technical team under Ross, while Wednesday boast a more physical style. How the hosts deal with the likes of 6ft 5in powerhouse Nuhiu and 6ft 3in Lucas Joao will prove key.