Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore intends to rotate his squad for tonight's Carabao Cup first-round tie at home to Sunderland. A number of fringe players are set to be given a chance to impress in front of the Sky cameras.
The Black Cats duel is the first of four matches in the space of 10 days and Moore is determined to carefully manage his resources going into a busy period. "We will take that (the schedule) into consideration," the Owls chief told our sister site Yorkshire Live.
"It is a quick turnaround. We have got a game on the Saturday in the league. We will try and pick the right squad for the game on Wednesday."
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Moore will be able to call upon Lee Gregory again. The striker missed Saturday's battling win at Milton Keynes Dons due to a one-match suspension. Moore is expected to make multiple changes to his starting XI. Cameron Dawson, Ryan Galvin, Reece James, Tyreeq Bakinson, Alex Hunt, Dennis Adeniran and Sylla Sow could all be given gam time.
He said: "I will assess the squad and see where people are at. One or two people picked up knocks against MK Dons. It’s a game we will be taking very seriously, it’s a great cup tie at home in front of our own supporters and we look forward to the game.
"Lee Gregory is back for that game so we get another body back in him. We will have a look at who is available and how they are feeling in the squad given the quick turnaround."
Sunderland arrive in South Yorkshire on the back of a thrilling away win at Bristol City. Moore said: "We want to win the game. For any game at Sheffield Wednesday, we can never rest on our laurels, every game matters. We want to get a rhythm; we want to keep the spirit going.
“It's a breakaway from the league with two big clubs going head-to-head, with the exploits of last season fresh in the mind. They are now operating in the Championship so we know it will be a good test for us. They are a good team."
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