Preview: Carlisle v Owls

Wednesday will aim to progress to the northern area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy when they travel to Carlisle United for the last-four clash tonight.

The snowfall and freezing temperatures will make life easy for neither side at Brunton Park, but the Owls will look to be hot in front of goal to stretch their winning run to seven matches in all competitions.

The Cumbrians have already beaten Wednesday once this season though, a 1-0 win at Hillsborough in September, and they'll be looking for more of the same in the JP Trophy tonight.

Carlisle are expected to be boosted with the return of centre-back Lubo Michalik from suspension, and he's set to go straight back into the Cumbrians' back four.

Former Owls defender Frank Simek is set to be part of that defence, and he's set to get a warm reception from the travelling Wednesdayites at Brunton Park.

Striker Mike Grella, on-loan from Leeds United, is also expected to return after being ineligible to feature for United in the FA Cup at the weekend as part of his loan deal.

Peter Murphy remains sidelined with a back injury.

Simek is one former player who will always get a warm reception from the Wednesday faithful, and tonight will be no different. With both right-backs injured for the Owls tonight, it'll be interesting to see just how well Simek is doing for the Cumbrians.

Wednesday could stick with the same starting eleven that disposed of Northampton Town in the FA Cup at the weekend.

The Owls' only injury concerns remain with right-backs Lewis Buxton and Jon Otsemobor, meaning Tomnmy Spurr is expected to continue in that position, with Daniel Jones remaining at left-back.

With an important trip to Swindon Town on Saturday, boss Alan Irvine could be tempted to tinker with his side slightly, with James O'Connor, Giles Coke and Jermaine Johnson all possibilities to come in.

But, with the chance of a seventh win on the spin and a continuing momentum, Irvine could also be keen to go for the same starting line-up as on Saturday.

Mellor bagged a hat-trick in the last round, a 4-1 thumping of Hartlepool United, and the loanee will be keen to get on the scoresheet again to help the Owls through to the area final, and just one victory away from a date at Wembley in the final.

Form:

Carlisle: W-D-L-W-W

Wednesday: W-W-W-W-W

Head-To-Head:

Carlisle wins: 6

Wednesday wins: 8

Draws: 9

Last Time Out:

Wednesday 0-1 Carlisle

Hillsborough, 11/09/10

Carlisle have already enjoyed victory against Wednesday this season in a league encounter at Hillsborough. Craig Curren scored the only goal for the visitors in the 36th minute and they held on for all three points.

v Swindon Town (A) - 04/12/10

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