TipResumen

SUNDERLAND

There is a lot more optimism at the Stadium of Light than we have seen in previous years and that is despite Sunderland dropping from the Premier League into League One in back to back seasons. They look the team to beat at this level and are expected to make an immediate return to the Championship, but it has already become clear that teams are not going to roll over for Sunderland who will be considered a huge scalp for many at this level. League One Football is going to be the priority for Sunderland throughout this season, but the Stadium of Light is a big ground and the fans would love to host some big clubs in Cup competitions. In the First Round of the League Cup they host Sheffield Wednesday from the Championship and Sunderland have had more success in this competition than any other in recent years as they have reached the Third Round on six straight occasions. Sunderland needed to come from behind to beat Charlton Athletic and then had to settle for a draw at Luton Town in their opening couple of League games and they have now won just 2 of their last 9 games in all competitions. The Black Cats had not won any of 8 home games before beating Wolves 3-0 to end the last campaign and then open this one with a win over Charlton Athletic.



SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

Under the guidance of Carlos Carvalhal, Sheffield Wednesday reached the Championship Play Off twice in a row but ultimately came up a little short to reach the Premier League. There was much optimism they could go a little better last season, but it was a difficult season which saw Carvalhal leave the club and Sheffield Wednesday finished in 15th place in the Championship. A lack of transfers in the summer window was raising eyebrows until it became known Sheffield Wednesday were operating under an embargo which has dented some belief of the fans. It has been a difficult start to the new season with that in mind and The Owls have also struggled in the League Cup having lost 3 of their last 4 ties in the competition. Sheffield Wednesday were beaten 3-2 at newly promoted Wigan Athletic to open the season before having to fight back and earn a 1-1 home draw with Hull City last weekend. They did finish last season with 6 wins from their last 9 League games, but Sheffield Wednesday have now won just 1 of their last 4 away games going back to the last campaign. The transfer embargo means Sheffield Wednesday have a very similar squad to last season. The injuries hurt their promotion bid so don't expect the manager to risk key starters in this First Round League Cup tie even though Sheffield Wednesday search for a first win of the season.



HEAD TO HEAD

Sheffield Wednesday took four points from Sunderland last season in the Championship and the majority came in a 1-3 win at the Stadium of Light in April. Sunderland had been unbeaten in 10 home games against Sheffield Wednesday prior to that defeat a few months ago.



PREDICTION

The last live tie in the League Cup First Round comes from the Stadium of Light on Thursday and I am a little surprised to see the League One club favoured. Sunderland are arguably better than their current League status and they are at home, but they have yet to really get going in the new season. That doesn't mean they are facing a team in great form as Sheffield Wednesday have also made a slow start to the season, while Sunderland do have the better recent runs in the League Cup. Even then I can't ignore the fact that Sheffield Wednesday should have the superior starting eleven with both clubs expected to make changes. They won here just a few months ago and Sunderland have yet to really get going under Jack Ross' new methods. With the start I am going to back Sheffield Wednesday here, but keep stakes to a minimum in a competition that can produce some huge upsets in the first couple of Rounds which are both played in August