Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland predictions: Black Cats can extend unbeaten run

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Sheffield Wednesday v Sunderland in the EFL Cup first round on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 7.45pm Wednesday

Best bet

Sunderland draw no bet
1pt Evs BoyleSports

Team news

Sheffield Wednesday
Lee Gregory is available after a one-match ban but Michael Smith is an injury doubt and Akin Famewo (knee) misses out.

Sunderland
Aji Alese, Bailey Wright and Elliot Embleton could be among the players recalled as Alex Neil plots several changes.

Match preview

Sunderland have made a strong start to the Championship season, taking four points from two games, and they can maintain their unbeaten sequence by defeating League One opponents Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the EFL Cup first round.

The match offers Wednesday an opportunity for revenge, after they succumbed 2-1 on aggregate to Sunderland in last season's League One playoff semi-finals.

However, Owls' manager Darren Moore will be more concerned about his team's renewed quest for promotion and could give several key players a breather, including influential playmaker Barry Bannan, who seemed to suffer a knock during his team's hard-fought 1-0 victory at MK Dons on Saturday.

Wednesday are fourth in League One with four points from two games and will be keen to build on their good start when hosting Charlton on Saturday.

League matters will also take priority for Sunderland, who started life in the Championship with a 1-1 draw at home to Coventry and a 3-2 success at Bristol City.

Black Cats' manager Alex Neil is planning changes in anticipation of Saturday's clash at home to QPR but he has some good options in reserve, including seasoned central defender Bailey Wright and attacking midfielder Elliot Embleton, who played a key role in last season's promotion, contributing eight goals and six assists.

A closely-fought game is in store but Sunderland appear to have the slightly stronger squad and are more likely to prevail.

Neil's side can extend their 18-match unbeaten run and are worth supporting on the draw no bet.

Key stat

Sunderland are unbeaten in their last 18 fixtures.

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