Sheffield Wednesday and Accrington Stanley were knocked out of the FA Cup over the weekend and both clubs will be aiming for a response in their EFL Trophy clash at Hillsborough on Wednesday.
Progress to the EFL Trophy’s second round is assured for Wednesday, who are top of Northern Group A after victories away to Salford (2-1) and at home to Sunderland Under-21s (2-0).
But the Owls have a final bit of business to attend to against Accrington, who are rivalling them for top spot in the section.
Stanley are two points adrift of Wednesday in second place, but need another point to make sure of qualification for the next phase.
Their need is greater and that could be reflected when the team sheets are handed in.
Wednesday’s players are getting used to their gaffer, Dave Challinor, who was officially appointed on November 1st.
Challinor took full charge of first-team affairs for Sunday’s FA Cup first-round tie against League Two strugglers Oldham and watched with frustration as his players succumbed to a 2-1 extra-time defeat.
Accrington were in FA Cup action the previous day, losing 2-0 at home to League One Wycombe.
Sheffield Wednesday v Accrington Stanley Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 3/1
Alternative Bet - 1-1 correct score @ 8/1
Bet Builder - Charlie Warren to score any time, Accrington or draw double chance & Under 4 goals @ 11/1
Sheffield Wednesday v Accrington Stanley Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 3/1
Accrington need a draw to make sure of EFL Trophy advancement and they can achieve their aims against a Sheffield Wednesday side preoccupied with preparations for the rest of their November schedule.
League results are the priority for both clubs, but Stanley (who sit ninth in the fourth tier) know that a defeat could see them exit the competition and that should encourage their manager, John Doolan, to select several first-choice players.
Doolan’s options could be limited by injuries, with David Tutonda and Donald Love confirmed as the latest additions to a busy treatment room.
But Accrington are usually well organised and fiercely competitive and those qualities should help them compete on fairly even terms with their Yorkshire hosts.
From a Wednesday perspective, the only carrot is to avoid defeat and make sure of finishing first in the group.
But Owls’ manager Challinor is making no apologies for managing his squad and giving them the best chance of preparing properly for Saturday’s important League One fixture at home to Plymouth.
Challinor is still making assessments over the group he has inherited and was clearly disappointed by the manner of Sunday’s FA Cup exit against Oldham.
And his options for the midweek match will be reduced with Kieran Morrison on Northern Ireland international duty and Harry Gray (hip) and Mason Burstow (groin) recent additions to the injured list.
Youngsters and fringe players could be heavily involved and that should open the door for Stanley to secure a positive result.
Alternative Bet: 1-1 correct score @ 8/1
Sheffield Wednesday’s last two League One matches have generated a 1-1 scoreline and there is every chance of the same outcome against Accrington.
At their best, Wednesday would expect to ease to a reasonably comfortable victory.
But there is the likelihood of wholesale changes for the home side, and that increases the prospects for an evenly matched affair.
Sheffield Wednesday v Accrington Stanley Bet Builder Tip
Charlie Warren to score any time
Accrington or draw double chance
Under 4 goals
Pays @ 11/1
Accrington have made a lot of smart signings, including Bolton loanee Charlie Warren, who is thoroughly enjoying his spell with the League Two side.
Warren has scored in two of his last three appearances and his finishing quality could be key to ensuring the avoidance of defeat.
A tight game is on the cards with every chance of a low-scoring outcome.
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Key Match Stats
Sheffield Wednesday have gone five games without winning.
Eleven of Sheffield Wednesday’s last 11 matches have featured fewer than four goals.
Accrington have started the scoring in four of their last five games.
Accrington have lost just one of their last 11 fixtures.
Seven of Accrington’s last 11 matches have finished all square.
Four of Accrington’s last nine games have generated a 1-1 scoreline.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
