Wednesday will look to build on an improved performance in the stalemate with Bournemouth in midweek when they travel to Carlisle United in npower League One this weekend.
Owls boss Gary Megson has yet to get his first win since taking charge but will be more confident of collecting three points at Brunton Park following his side’s performance on the south coast.
Carlisle have suffered a similar slide down the table following a good start to the season and will aim to get their promotion push back on track by completing a league ‘double’ over Wednesday.
Vital Quotes:
Owls striker Gary Madine told the official SWFC website, on the return to face his former club:
‘I had some of the best times of my life up there and I’m really looking forward to going back up there.
‘I still keep in touch with everyone including the gaffer, Greg Abbott, and we still keep in touch.
‘They have a lot of good players and a lot of youthful players, all of who I know well, so it will be tough for us.
‘I think if we turn up on top of our game then we should have no problems in getting the right result.’
Carlisle United Team News:
Carlisle loan star Gary Borrowdale will be available for selection following a stomach bug but he could be kept out of the side thanks to the fine form of Matty Robson at left-back.
Robson has covered for the QPR man for the last three games, of which United haven’t lost, and is expected to keep his place.
James Berrett will also be available despite fears over his fitness following an ankle knock suffered in the 2-2 draw with Exeter last time out.
Lubo Michalik and Liam Cooper will both definitely be out through injury for the Cumbrians.
But Wednesday are set to come up against their former fans’ favourite Frankie Simek, who has enjoyed a good campaign at Brunton Park.
Player to watch: Frank Simek
Simek has been a key part of Carlisle’s side this season, with injuries that hampered his progress at Hillsborough failing to dampen his time in Cumbria.
Wednesday Team News:
Striker Gary Madine is set to start against his former club for the first time.
Madine arrived at Hillsborough from Carlisle for an undisclosed fee in the January transfer window and will be keen to score against his former teammates.
Owls boss Gary Megson has tinkered with his squad in each of his games since taking control at S6, but the performance in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth in midweek could mean he sticks with the same starting eleven.
Midfielder Giles Coke is still out through suspension, sitting out the final game of a three-match ban on Saturday.
Tommy Miller is expected to retain the captain’s armband, after he took over the honour from striker Clinton Morrison after he was dropped to the bench.
Player to watch: Gary Madine
Madine made a name for himself at Carlisle but he’ll be keen to score against his former club. The powerful striker has already said he won’t celebrate if he scores on Saturday, and Wednesdayites will be hoping that happens on more than one occasion.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Carlisle: D-W-W-L-L
Wednesday: D-L-L-L-D
Head-To-Head:
Carlisle wins: 7
Wednesday: 8
Draws: 9
Last Time Out:
Carlisle 3-1 Wednesday
Brunton Park, 30/11/10
The last time the sides met was in the JP Trophy back in November when Carlisle progressed to the next round thanks to a comfortable 3-1 victory. Francois Zoko, Lubo Michalik and Ben Marshall scored the goals for the hosts, while Darren Purse replied with a consolation goal for the Owls.
Next Fixtures:
v Plymouth Argyle (H) – 05/03/11
