Sheffield Wednesday are without 12 first teamers for the Cumbrians’ FA Cup visit.
Sheffield Wednesday and Carlisle United face off again at Hillsborough on Tuesday for a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
After Friday’s battling 0-0 draw at city rivals Sheffield United, and with promotion challengers Cardiff City to come, Wednesday may have viewed this game as a chance to rest their tired legs and blood a few youngsters, having had 11 senior players missing for the derby.
But with none of those absentees fit to return – so said Owls boss Jos Luhukay on Monday – three prominent Under-23 players cup-tied and Glenn Loovens suspended, the hosts in fact have fewer options available to them than they did last time out.
Expect rotation to be minimal therefore, with Jacob Butterfield, George Boyd, Marco Matias and Atdhe Nuhiu the only first teamers available beyond Friday’s starting 11.
However, Cameron Dawson, Connor O’Grady, Ash Baker, James Murphy and Matt Penney could be brought in from the Under-23s if needed, although Sean Clare, Jack Stobbs and Jordan Thorniley are unavailable.
Ross Wallace and Daniel Pudil could sit out in a bid to be fully fit for the weekend, while Adam Reach and Morgan Fox have played a lot of games recently.
Here’s how we think Sheffield Wednesday could look…
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