[ad_pod ]
Sheffield Wednesday take a break from league duties later tonight as they host Premier League outfit Everton in the Carabao Cup third round at Hillsborough.
Marco Silva should bring a strong side after signalling his intentions on enjoying a strong run in the competition, not least considering they have been poor of late in the league, recording back-to-back losses.
At the weekend, arch-rivals Sheffield United defeated the Toffees at Goodison Park so the Portuguese boss will be expecting some sort of response.
Wednesday needed an injury-time equaliser from Atdhe Nuhiu to salvage a point against Fulham in south Yorkshire on Saturday.
Their aim will surely be focused on clinching a playoff spot this season, therefore, will Monk rest some of his key stars or try to put up a serious challenge against top-flight opposition?
We predict that it will be a bit of both as the 40-year-old is still less than a month into his new role. He could make as many as four changes from the team that started last time out.
The backline could be relatively the same barring a change in goal as the experienced Keiren Westwood is rested for Cameron Dawson – the 24-year-old started in their second-round victory over Rotherham United and kept a clean sheet.
Tom Lees’ return from injury is imminent according to the Owls boss, but the 28-year-old isn’t expected to be risked for this game.
Likewise, in midfield, much of the side from Saturday remains with stand-in captain Barry Bannan keeping his spot with Sam Hutchinson.
Watch Sheffield Wednesday Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Massimo Luongo could be given a rare start after joining the club in the summer. The 26-year-old has made four substitute appearances in the Championship but featured the full 90 in that Rotherham game.
Underperforming Newcastle United loanee Jacob Murphy, who has scored just once, may get a chance to prove his worth to Monk’s Championship plans tonight while Kadeem Harris is their biggest threat in attack having scored two goals and assisted one more this season, per WhoScored.
Wednesday have plenty of options for that striker role with Steven Fletcher likely earning a rest too – it would make sense for Sam Winnall to lead the line as the former Barnsley man has been the first port of call in that position over the last two matches.
Outcast Jordan Rhodes, who has played just 38 minutes in the league, is expected to play some part, but that may be from the bench to start with.
