Wednesday take a trip to the seaside this weekend as they turn their attentions away from the League One promotion hunt to FA Cup fourth round action.
It’s destination Bloomfield Road as Gary Megson and his men look to continue their progression in the prestigious competition against Championship side Blackpool.
The Owls caused a shock in the last round by beating West Ham United and Wednesday will look to beat higher-division opposition for the second time in the shape of Ian Holloway’s Tangerine Army.
Blackpool Team News:
Blackpool are set to include new signing Nouah Dicko in their squad for the FA Cup clash.
The 19-year-old signed on-loan with the Seasiders from Wigan Athletic until the end of the season and Holloway will be hoping his new man can make an instant impression against the Owls.
Lomana LuaLua is Blackpool’s only injury doubt going into the game with a hamstring problem.
He missed their game against Crystal Palace last week and Tangerines boss Ian Holloway is unlikely to risk the early return of one of his key men in an FA Cup contest.
Holloway has an otherwise fully fit and available squad for this weekend’s clash but he could make some changes from his regular league starting line-up.
Player to watch: Nouah Dicko
The 19-year-old Wigan Athletic man signed on-loan with Blackpool for the rest of the season and is set to be included in Holloway’s squad for the FA Cup fourth round clash. And he’ll be looking to make an instant impact.
Wednesday Team News:
Wednesday will be short of numbers with Miguel Llera and Mike Jones both cup-tied and unavailable for the trip to Bloomfield Road.
Llera joined the Owls from Blackpool this month and will no doubt have been to face his former club but has already featured in the early rounds of the competition with Brentford, where he had a loan spell earlier this season.
Likewise, Jones also featured in the early rounds for former club Bury and will be unavailable for selection.
Llera’s unavailability leaves Wednesday short at the back, with skipper Rob Jones, Reda Johnson and Julian Bennett all struggling with injury. The trio will all undergo late fitness tests.
Daniel Jones was also injured in the Owls’ victory at Scunthorpe United in midweek. It means Mark Beevers could get his first start in months for Wednesday. Beevers, who’s been on-loan at MK Dons, replaced Jones as a substitute at Glanford Park.
Jermaine Johnson is set to continue in midfield thanks to his fine recent form, while Megson is expected to go with Gary Madine and Chris O’Grady up front. Stephen Bywater could continue in goal.
Player to watch: Jermaine Johnson
The Jamaican has got his chance to impress in the last two games and he’s bagged a goal in each. One poor game and Johnson is likely to be back on the bench, meaning he’ll have to be at the top of his game in Blackpool.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Blackpool: W-D-W-W-L
Wednesday: W-D-L-W-W
Head-to-Head:
Wednesday wins: 39
Blackpool wins: 24
Draws: 14
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 0-0 Blackpool (Owls win on penalties)
11/08/11 – Hillsborough, Carling Cup
The sides met earlier this season in the early rounds of the Carling Cup in a game where both sides fielded pretty much second string teams. The Owls won it on penalties but it was a match to quickly forget.
Next Fixtures:
v MK Dons (A) – 31/01/12
v Yeovil (H) – 04/02/12
