Sunderland head into their EFL Cup first round tie with Sunderland having put together an unbeaten start on their return to the Championship.

Meanwhile, Wednesday, who lost to the Black Cats in last season's League One playoff semi-finals, have also collected four points from their opening two fixtures in the third tier.

Match preview

When Sunderland conceded a late goal to draw with Coventry City on the opening day of the season, Alex Neil would have felt a huge sense of frustration on the club's first day back in the Championship since 2018.

However, a thrilling 3-2 victory at Bristol City has left the Black Cats in second position in the division, giving the club some momentum as they bid to earn back-to-back promotions.

Mounting such an assault is a hope rather than an expectation right now, but there are signs that Sunderland have the firepower to earn respect throughout the campaign.

Securing the services of Everton forward Ellis Simms felt like a coup when the loan transfer was completed and he instantly showcased his threat at this level with a double at Ashton Gate.

Although Neil may have to refrain from selecting Simms with leading frontman Ross Stewart on occasions, Sunderland now possess attacking options which could rival the very best in the division over the coming months.

As far as Sheffield Wednesday are concerned, they required a fast start to the season to rid themselves of the disappointment of losing in the 2021-22 League One playoffs.

While only drawing 3-3 at home to Portsmouth on the opening day was deemed as satisfactory, responding with a 1-0 win at MK Dons made it feel like a strong start for the Owls.

Darren Moore conducted some shrewd business during the summer, but there is a sense that old and fresh faces will need to combine in order to challenge for the title in what feels like an increasingly-competitive division.

These two teams met on four occasions last season, Wednesday remaining unbeaten at Hillsborough but failing to win any of the most recent three encounters.

Team News

Lee Gregory should feature in the Sheffield Wednesday starting lineup after serving a one-match ban at the weekend.

While Michael Smith may again miss out through a minor injury, widespread changes could be made in midfield with Tyreeq Bakinson among those who could be named in the centre of the pitch.

Jack Hunt and Dominic Iorfa may feature in the back three with Akin Famewo picking up an injury on Saturday.

Neil is also likely to rest some of his key men, subsequently handing game time to new arrivals and players who spent part of pre-season on the sidelines through injury.

Aji Alese should feature in the back three after his arrival from West Ham United, while Leon Dajaku is in line to feature in the final third.

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:
Dawson; J. Hunt, Heneghan, Iorfa; Palmer, Dele-Bashiru, Bakinson, Byers, James; Gregory, Sow

Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Bass; Alese, Batth, Wright; Gooch, Embleton, O'Nein, Clarke; Roberts; Dajaku, Simms

We say: Sheffield Wednesday 1-2 Sunderland

Despite the difference in leagues, we would go as far as saying that these two teams are relatively evenly-matched. With both also in form, it should make for an entertaining spectacle, one that we feel Sunderland will win by the odd goal in three.

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