Sheffield Wednesday host Sunderland in midweek, just as they did unsuccessfully in the League One play-offs last season, in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

Both teams have picked up four points from their opening two matches of the season, and will be seeing this match as an opportunity to rotate their squads.

The Black Cats made a deep run in the competition last term, reaching the quarter final stage, and may be eyeing a similar impact under Alex Neil once again this season.

The Owls are almost in a similar position to the Black Cats' last season, with a desperation to win promotion from League One and that could see Darren Moore approach the cup fixture in a certain way.

With Sunderland's campaign stopping for the World Cup and Wednesday's not, the Black Cats could arguably do without the fixture congestion more than the hosts.

When asked if he is expecting a lot of changes from Moore for the visit of the Wearside club, Carlton Palmer said: "Absolutely, he's (Moore) got a big squad, he's got a good squad, and it gives him an opportunity to give players games, and also to rest players.

"Barry Bannan picked up a knock on Saturday, hopefully he'll be alright, Josh Windass hasn't played a lot of football since Wednesday got relegated from the Championship, both of them were taken off on Saturday, to protect them, with 15 minutes to go.

 

 

"I expect him to make some changes because the priority is to get out of the league, that's it as simple as that."