Preview: Scunthorpe v Owls

Wednesday face arguably their toughest test of the season to date when they make the short trip to Scunthorpe United in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The Owls made a struggle of defeating Bury in the last round but a run of four games without defeat will give Alan Irvine's men plenty of confidence in getting a win against Championship opposition.

It's a rare occasion that Wednesday travel to face the Iron as underdogs, but that's exactly what they'll be as they aim to continue their unbeaten start to the season and progress in the cup.

Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins told the official Iron website:

'It is one of the toughest ties of the round, when you look at their side they've got some experienced players.

'We won't hide away from the fact it's going to be a tough game. We've already played them in pre-season and beaten them. That was a difficult match for both sides because it was a very competitive game.

'What that fixture managed to do was help both teams get off to a good start to the season.

'On paper they've got more Championship experience than we have but, as we all know, the game is not played on paper.'

Scunthorpe will be without Garry Thompson for the clash with a groin injury, while Jim McNulty is also sidelined for the clash with an ankle injury.

Other than that Iron boss Nigel Adkins is likely to field a strong side as Scunthorpe look to progress to bag a lucrative clash against Premier League opposition in the next round.

Defender David Mirfin will undergo a late fitness test due to a leg injury but other than that, United have no other fresh injury or suspension conerns.

Former Sheffield United players enjoy scoring against Wednesday and Forte is no exception. He netted the winner in the 1-0 friendly win over the Owls in pre-season and will be eager for a more important goal tonigth.

Owls boss Alan Irvine rung the changes for the last cup clash against Bury and he could do the same tonight.

But Irvine will be keen for his side to progress and changes will be limited, with no fresh injury or suspension concerns.

One player who could get a much-needed run-out is Tommy Miller, who has missed the start of the season through injury but returned to training last week.

Striker Clinton Morrison is set to miss out again but Paul Heffernan will be pushing for his first competitive start for Wednesday.

Liam Palmer, Jon Otsemobor and Daniel Jones, who all helped Wednesday progress in the last round, will also be keen for a start.

Jermaine Johnson continues to be Wednesday's only certainty to be sidelined through injury.

Tudgay showed just why Wednesday are keen to hold on to him with his performance on Saturday and he'll be looking to continue that performance tonight. He'll be keen to get off the mark this season, too.

Head-to-Head:

Scunthorpe wins: 4
Wednesday wins: 5
Draws: 4

Last Time Out:

Scunthorpe 2-0 Wednesday

Glanford Park, 27/01/10

Goals from Gary Hooper and Grant McCann condemned Wednesday to a 2-0 defeat the last time the two sides met earlier this year.

v Hartlpool United (A) - 28/08/10

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