Preview: Owls v Millers

Wednesday take an early break from Championship action as they entertain Rotherham United to Hillsborough for a South Yorkshire derby clash in the first round of the Carling Cup.

Wednesday, of course, couldn't have got off to a better start to their campaign with a 4-1 thumping of Burnley at the weekend which leaves them top of the league going in to the match.

And boss Brian Laws won't be wanting to take the foot off the gas this early in the season, albeit in the Carling Cup, as he looks to bag some momentum to enjoy a much-improved start to the season compared to last year.

Tuesday's visitors will also be wanting to bag a win, to bring some rare cheer to Millers fans who've seen their club move from Millmoor to Don Valley Stadium and received a 17-point deduction over the close season.

Still, boss Mark Robins also steered his men to an opening day success - something he'll want to continue in the Carling Cup, whether it be against the Owls or not.

Owls boss Brian Laws will be in two minds on whether to make many changes to the side that got off to the superb start against Burnley at the weekend with the news that Akpo Sodje will be out for up to two months.

Laws won't want to lose any more key players, although he'll be sure to want to carry on the momentum from the victory over the Clarets and ease through to the second round.

Sodje will definately be missing, giving a chance to Leon Clarke to impress in attack, although there is the option to put Marcus Tudgay in attack, and Francis Jeffers is also said to be pushing for an appearance.

Laws also has the option of midfielders Jimmy Smith and Steve Watson both being in contention after the duo made substitute appearances on Saturday after returning from injury.

If given the chance, Clarke will have to show he's up to the task of replacing Akpo Sodje in the short term, and although against lower league opposition, a good performance could see him keep his starting place for a trip to former club Wolves this weekend.

Rotherham boss Mark Robins will be sweating on the fitness of Mark Burchill and Marc Newsham ahead of the trip to Hillsborough and is likely to give both late fitness tests.

Robins is currently looking at bagging an experienced striker to help out with the Millers front line, although it's unlikely a new front man will be in place in time for the clash.

But Robins won't have any more injury concerns going in to the game, and could well stick with the same side that defeated Lincoln City in their opening match of the League Two season at the weekend.

Reid has given the Rotherham fans plenty of reasons to be cheerful already, with boss Robins bagging somewhat of a gem for the League Two side, and he'll be keen to show what he's all about at Hillsborough.

Head-To-Head:

Wednesday wins: 19
Rotherham wins: 10
Draws: 5

Last Time Out:

Rotherham United 1-3 Wednesday

Millmoor, 16/08/2007

Wednesday last met the Millers in the Carling Cup in the same fixture last season, Danny Harrison gave the hosts a shock early lead before goals from Glenn Whelan, Deon Burton and Wade Small sent the Owls through to round two.

16/08/08 - Wolves (A)

23/08/08 - Preston (H)

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