Prediction: Hull City vs Sheffield Wednesday

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention to EFL Cup action on Wednesday night, the Owls will travel to the MKM Stadium when they meet Hull.

Hull City

Starting with the hosts, while Hull might have gained a string of plaudits last season, the Tigers are getting a new era underway at the MKM Stadium. Shockingly making the decision to part ways with now-former boss Liam Rosenior over the summer, Tim Walter finds a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Missing out on the chance to lay down an early marker over the weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Bristol City, the one-time Stuttgart manager has drastically struggled to make any real impact since arriving in Yorkshire. Failing to win any of their six pre-season appearances this summer and signing off their preparations with a 2-0 loss at the hands of League One outfit Reading, Hull are seeking a much-needed boost.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues or lacking match fitness, Hull will once again be without the trio of Harvey Cartwright, Dogukan Sinik and former Tottenham youngster Thimothee Lo-Tutala on Wednesday night. Completing a season-long loan switch from Manchester City, Finley Burns will should make a first start here.

Opening his Championship account with a strike against Bristol City over the weekend, one-time Metz striker Oscar Estupinan should keep his spot spearheading Hull’s attack. Arriving from Basel this summer, Canada international Liam Millar will make a full Tigers debut at the MKM Stadium.

Sheffield Wednesday

As for the visitors, while Sheffield Wednesday might have found themselves at the heart of a public Championship crisis when opening 2024, the Owls came roaring back in a sensational fashion. Storming their way to Championship safety and with the mood around Hillsborough at a red-hot high, Danny Rohl’s men are riding a major wave of momentum. Winning all of their final three second-tier appearances last season by an aggregate score of 8-1, Wednesday’s guests appear to have only continued from where they left off back in May. Getting the new Championship campaign underway with another thumping performance as they stormed their way to a 4-0 romp against Plymouth on Sunday afternoon, Rohl’s high-flying squad will be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here.

Team News

Making his move from Premier League outfit Brighton a permanent switch this summer, 20-year-old James Beadle will start between the sticks on Wednesday night. However, dealing with a recent injury issue and missing out against Plymouth over the weekend, veteran goalkeeper Ben Hamer will not feature here.

Getting a full 90 minutes under his belt at Hillsborough on Sunday afternoon, skipper Barry Bannan could be handed a rest in midweek. Former Middlesbrough midfielder could replace Bannan in the middle of the park.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday last met back on New Year’s Day, the Owls collected a 3-1 victory at Hillsborough.
• Continuing on from last season, Wednesday have won all of their previous four meetings against Championship opposition by an aggregate score of 12-1.
• Likewise, the Owls won all of their final three Championship away fixtures last season by an aggregate score of 7-1.
• Including their worrying summer rut, Hull have failed to win any of their previous nine matchups across all competitions.
• The two Championship showdowns between Hull and Sheffield Wednesday last season produced 10 goals at both ends of the pitch.

Conclusion

Getting their Championship campaign underway over the weekend with a stunning 4-0 romp against Plymouth, Sheffield Wednesday will be desperately seeking a repeat performance here. Claiming a 3-1 victory when they last met Wednesday’s hosts back on New Year’s Day, the Owls have continued to shine on either side of the summer interval. A showdown that tends to produce plenty of action, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair from the MKM Stadium.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet