Preview: Owls v Everton

Wednesday will be looking to kick-on from their first victory of the season over Hull at the weekend by producing one of the shocks of the round as they look to progress against Premiership Everton tonight.

David Moyes' men may not have got off to the greatest of starts in the League but they're one of a number of clubs who will see the Carling Cup within their grasp this season.

The clash has an 'old fashioned cup tie' feel to it, and Wednesday will certainly be wanting to roll back the years and progress to the latter stages for a financial point of view as well as a confidence boosting one.

Brian Laws told the Sheffield Star:

'We've won our first league game, but we want to win our second, at Norwich, as well; we have a few injuries and we need everybody available for that.

'But the Cup is still important to us. It's the first time in years that the club have reached the third round. Everyone knows the financial constraints we have; the Cups are the only areas where we can get something in, in addition to the norm.

'Extra finance can help to bring in loan players or buy players. I want us to do as well as possible in the cups.

'A Premiership team at home - that suggests to me that this could be a good game. I saw Everton play Aston Villa on Sunday and was impressed by their work ethic.'

Owls boss Brian Laws could well be forced to make some changes to the side to face the Toffess tonight with a trio of first teamers facing late fitness tests.

Etienne Esajas, Glenn Whelan and former Toffee Steve Watson are all doubtful with knocks and may not be risked ahead of the league clash with Norwich at the weekend.

Loan centre-back Michael Johnson is also likely to be rested after his explpoits for the Owls at the weekend.

Wade Small is likely to get the nod in place of Esajas on the left while Yoann Folly, Kenny Lunt and Burton O'Brien are all waiting in the wings.

Tommy Spurr hobbled off in the victory over Hull with a deadleg but has been given the all clear to feature tonight, while Francis Jeffers is set to play against his former club.

His superb long-range strike on Saturday gave Wednesday all three points for the first time this season and he'll be wanting to reproduce his efforts against the club where he made his name.

Andy van der Meyde could return to the Everton side for tonight's clash after being disciplined by Everton for missing training earlier this season.

Former Blades player Phil Jagielka is also relishing the chance to return to Sheffield in the Blue of Everton and is set to get the nod in the starting eleven.

But Joseph Yobo, Thomas Gravesen, Tim Cahill, James Vaughan, Mikel Arteta and Tim Howard are all set to miss out through injury.

Former Sheffield United players have a habit of performing against the Owls and tonight is set to be no different with Phil Jagielka back in Sheffield in the blue of the Toffees.

29/09/07: Norwich City (A)
02/10/07: Watford (A)
06/10/07: Leicester City (H)

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