Preview: Vale v Owls

Wednesday face a side that will be looking to do the 'Sheffield Double' in the Carling Cup this season when they travel to Port Vale on Tuesday night.

The League Two club saw off the threat of the red and white side of Sheffield at Bramall Lane in the first round and will be looking for another shock result against the Owls.

But for boss Brian Laws, the competition, although not baring the same importance as league standing and the FA Cup, provides a key route to bolster his transfer kitty.

And the Owls' boss will no doubt be fielding a strong squad to seek progression in the competition.

Akpo Sodje told the official SWFC website:

'The League Cup is an important competition because everyone loves a cup run and there is a possibility of playing one of the big teams, hopefully at Hillsborough.

'I played for Port Vale against Tottenham at White Hart Lane in the League Cup. It was a great occasion, even though we lost the game 3-1.'

Port Vale boss Micky Adams will give a debut to new loan signing Damien McCrory, who arrived at Vale Park on a loan deal from Plymouth Argyle.

Simon Richman is also set to be available for selection after recovering from a groin injury, and Vale have no fresh injury concerns going into the clash.

The former Barnsley attacker has already bagged two goals this season, and he'll be looking to add more to book Vale a place in the next round of the competition.

Wednesday's former Vale frontman Akpo Sodje is set to be given his first start of the season against his former club in what's sure to be an emotional return.

Sodje was included on the bench in Wednesday's 4-0 thumping of Scunthorpe at the weekend and boss Laws will look to use the competition to give the powerful striker his full return to action.

But Luke Varney won't be available after being cup-tied as part of his loan deal with Derby County.

Laws has revealed he won't be making too many changes to his side, but he could bring in Tommy Miller, who's made two sub appearances in the league and one start in the cup.

Etienne Esajas, Francis Jeffers and Sean McAllister will all be pushing for a starting role.

The striker is sure to play some part in the game as he returns to fitness, and his former club. Don't expect him to celebrate much if he finds the back of the net though.

In The Last Round

Wednesday: Comfortable 3-0 winners against Rochdale, thanks to a brace from Jermaine Johnson and an Etienne Esajas effort.

Port Vale: 2-1 winners at Bramall Lane over our nice rivals Sheffield United, one of the early shocks of the competition.

Head-to-Head:

Vale wins: 13

Wednesday wins: 12

Draws: 4

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 1-0 Port Vale

Hillsborough, 21/05/05

Steve Maclean's goal 15 minutes in was enough to give Wednesday all three points last time out, as the Owls started their assault on the League One play-offs under Paul Sturrock.

v Plymouth Argyle (A) - 29/08/09

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