Preview: Scunthorpe United v Sheffield Wednesday

Last updated : 24 August 2010 By Iron-Bru.net

Overview
It is hard to tell how important this match is for both sides: one thing is for sure, both teams would rather win their league outings next Saturday than this match. Victory would bring welcome revenue and the chance of a big draw in the third round, but the managers will be more interested in the performance than he result. The Iron head into the match on the back of two defeats in which they did not manage a goal, so some form of reaction will be vital for manager Nigel Adkins.

Iron team news
Garry Thompson (groin) and Jim McNulty (ankle) are missing.

Owls team news
Midfielder Tommy Miller (hamstring) could make his first appearance of the season. Winger Jermaine Johnson (knee ligament) is ruled out.

Owls in profile
Established: 1867
Nickname: The Owls
Manager: Alan Irvine

Stats and figures
The Iron have little pedigree in this competition, with last season's run to the fourth round - ended with a heavy defeat at Manchester City - the furthest they have ever gone. Reaching the third round last year was a feat they had not managed for more than two decades. Scunthorpe opened their season with a two wins, in the league and Carling Cup, but have lost their last two games. Wednesday have collected seven points from their three League One outings.

Past meetings
The most recent game against Wednesday was exactly a month before this - with Jonathan Forte scoring the only goal in a 1-0 pre-season win at Glanford Park. United's home form against the Owls is positive, having only lost to them in North Lincolnshire once. That was back in September 1958, when the Yorkshire side were 4-1 victors in a Second Division match at the Old Showground. Last season the Iron were 2-0 home victors, but beaten 4-0 at Hillsborough. 

Referee
Keith Hill (Herts)

Betting
Scunthorpe 6/5 / Draw 23/10 / Wednesday 15/8 (Paddy Power)

Competitive English footballl on TV this week
Wednesday: Accrington Stanley v Newcastle United (Carling Cup, 7.30pm, Sky Sports 3)