Preview: Blackburn v Owls

Wednesday take a break from league action tonight when they travel across the Pennines to take on Blackburn Rovers in the second round of the Carling Cup.

The Owls made their way through the first round with a penalty shoot-out win against Blackpool at Hillsborough and were rewarded with Premier League opposition.

But although Rovers will still be favourites to progress, especially with home advantage, Steve Kean's men have made a poor start to the new season and Wednesday will be looking to take full advantage.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean told the official Rovers website:


I watched their game against Blackpool. They are a direct team, they aren't a small side either, I think the only one from Saturday's game under six foot was Clinton Morrison who I know very well.

'So they are a big powerful side, they'll come and get it forward early, be very direct, they are good on set plays and it'll be a tough game.'

He continued: 'The game is very important, it is a competition we are taking seriously.

'I think we've got enough fit players coming back to put out a strong side that will get us a victory and it will also allow us to protect one or two that will need to be 100 per cent fit for the Everton game.'

Rovers boss Steve Kean is expected to make changes to the side that lost at Aston Villa at the weekend but won't be making the wholesale changes that many sides do at this stage of the competition.

The Ewood Park side have made a poor start to the season and will be looking for a victory over the Owls to give them a much-needed confidence boost.

Rovers have confirmed that Gael Givet will return to the starting eleven after missing the start of the season due to a virus.

It means captain Ryan Nelson is expected to be rested after he returned to action at the weekend. The match will also come too soon for a return from injury for Chris Samba and Brett Emerton.

New signing Radosav Petrovic could get his first full start after making his debut as a substitute at Villa Park on Saturday, while youngster Jason Lowe is also available for selection following international duty.

The new signing will be keen to make an instant impression on his new supporters when he makes his expected full debut for Rovers tonight.

Changes will be made by Owls boss Gary Megson but the Wednesday starting XI is likely to be stronger than the side that started in the last round against Blackpool.

Richard O'Donnell, Mark Beevers, Jon Otsemobor, Chris Sedgwick and James O'Connor - all substitutes at the weekend - will be pushing for a starting role.

Loan signing Ben Marshall is eligible to feature.

Madine grabbed a much-needed goal at the weekend in the 2-1 win over Notts County and the striker will be hoping it kick-starts a good run of form in front of goal.

Head-to-Head:

Blackburn wins: 51

Wednesday wins: 53

Draws: 35

Last Time Out:

Blackburn 4-2 Wednesday

Carling Cup, Ewood Park, 22/01/2002

The last time the sides met, ironically, was in the semi-final of the League Cup back in 2002. Rovers won the first leg at Hillsborough 2-1 and followed it up with a 4-2 win on home soil. Efan Ekoku and Trond Egil-Soltvedt scored the Owls' goals, while Matt Jansen, Damien Duff, Andy Cole and Craig Hignett netted for the hosts. Garry Flicroft was sent off in the 53rd minute.

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