Preview: Carlisle United v Owls

The long trip to Cumbria is always tough for any side in npower League One, but the Owls will travel to face Carlisle United in good spirits thanks to their good run of form.

A 2-0 victory over Colchester United at the weekend made it seven home wins from seven for the Owls and put them within striking distance of the top of the table.

Victory over United could see Wednesday top, should other results also go their way, but Carlisle will be desperate to bounce back from their heavy 4-0 loss at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

It'll be a tough test, but Wednesday need three points to prove they're realistic automatic promotion candidates this season.

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott told the official United website:

'I think with the way the game went on Saturday it is good for us to have this one so quickly.

'It's one of those fixtures that everyone looks forward to, and I know the lads want to get back on track. We were on a good run ahead of Saturday and we want to get back to that, starting on Tuesday night.

'Sheffield Wednesday are a very good side and they are in the top three on merit. We know all about how they will play, and we are going to have to match them. Their home record has been fantastic, and they are also difficult to break down on the road, but we know we can get the result if we do things properly.

'Everyone will be looking forward to seeing Gary [Madine] and Ben [Marshall] again. They were both excellent for us and I'm sure they'll be looking forward to coming here and shaking a few hands. It obviously means there are no surprises for us with them, because we know how they like to play and what they can do. Hopefully it'll be one of those occasions where we have kept them quiet.'

Carlisle defender Matt Robson was sent off in the weekend loss at Charlton and he'll be unavailable through suspension for the visit of Wednesday.

It means boss Greg Abbott will have to tinker with his defence, something he may well have done anyway following their 4-0 thrashing at The Valley.

Former Leeds United centre-back Lubomir Michalik and Stephen O'Halloran will both be in contention for a place in the starting eleven. Frank Simek won't be playing, although another former Owl in midfielder PJ McGovern is likely to start.

The former Owls midfielder follows Frank Simek as a former Wednesday player to Carlisle. McGovern has been started for United and he'll be keen to impress his former fans at Brunton Park, as well as help his new team to a much-needed win.

Striker Gary Madine and winger Ben Marshall are both set to start against their former club.

But Wednesday will be without the suspended Reda Johnson, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Saturday's win over Colchester. Julian Bennett is likely to come in for him at left-back.

Other than that it could be 'as you were' for in-form Wednesday. Megson is likely to stick with James O'Connor in midfield, despite hauling him off at half-time at the weekend, although Jermaine Johnson will be pushing for a start.

Madine has been in top form all season, finding the back of the net on regular occasions and also chipping in with some crucial assists. It's always special going back to a former club and he'll be eager to impress.

Form:

Carlisle: L-W-D-D-W

Wednesday: W-D-W-W-W

Head-to-Head:

Carlisle wins: 7

Wednesday wins: 9

Draws: 9

Last Time Out:

Carlisle United 0-1 Wednesday

26/2/11, Brunton Park

A single strike from Tommy Miller proved enough to give Wednesday the spoils the last time the sides met last season.

v Wycombe Wanderers (A) - 29/10/11

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco