Carling Cup Preview: Minnows Target Upsets Against Premier League Trio Wigan Athletic, West Ham United And Blackpool
Hartlepool, Oxford and MK Dons target second round victories...
By Alex Fisher
Wigan could give a debut to new signing Steven Caldwell who formally signed for the Latics on a one-year contract on Monday. Hartlepool are without Neil Austin and Ritchie Humphreys, while Uruguayan midfielder Fabian Yantorno is a major doubt.
Premier League new boys Blackpool will also face League One opposition as they travel to MK Dons. The Seasiders are without defender Ian Evatt as he begins a three-match ban following his sending off against Arsenal. New Israeli signing Dekel Keinan could make his first start and Brett Ormerod is expected to return to the starting line-up. MK Dons could give a start to Mat Doumbe but will definitely be without Pele, Jude Stirling and Aaron Wilbraham.
West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto de Matteo is definitely without winger Jerome Thomas for their visit to Leyton Orient. Ismael Miller and Joe Mattock will also not feature for the Baggies' visit to Brisbane Road. Orient defender Charlie Daniels is unlikely to play as he continues his way back from a knee injury but Scott McGleish may be handed a start by manager Russell Slade.
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle is expected to rest first choice goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen for their tie with Southampton at the St Mary’s Stadium. Former Portsmouth midfielder Matt Taylor could start, while Johan Elmander will be looking to continue his goalscoring form after a brace against West Ham United. Southampton manager Alan Pardew could put new signing Guilherme do Prado Guly into the starting line-up if his international clearance arrives in time following his loan move from Cesena.
Stoke City welcome Shrewsbury Town to the Brtiannia Stadium and will be without two strikers who have been sidelined with injury. Mamady Sidibe could face a long period on the treatment table after snapping his Achilles tendon on Saturday, and record signing Kenwyne Jones is still ruled out with the ankle injury he picked up on the opening day of the season. Shrewsbury will be without Lionel Ainsworth and Danny O’Donnell through injury and Matt Harold through suspension.
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is able to recall captain Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner after their recent suspensions. Andy Reid and Anton Ferdinand could also return for the visit of Colchester United to the Stadium of Light. The League One side have injury doubts over Paul Reid and goalkeeper Ben Williams.
After their defeat to Bolton on Saturday West Ham United will hope their can record their first win of the new season against newly promoted League Two side Oxford United at Upton Park. New Zealand defender Winston Reid is expected to feature for the Hammers after he replaced Matthew Upson in the weekend defeat. Oxford could be without Damian Batt so Ben Purkiss is expected to replace him at right back. Manager Chris Wilder will be hoping that striker Matthew Green recovers from his leg injury to make the starting line-up.
Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Southend United to Molineux and manager Mick McCarthy has confirmed he will utilise his first team squad for the tie. McCarthy has confirmed that defender Danny Batth and striker Sam Winnall will definitely start. Southend manager Paul Sturrock has hinted that he may leave some players out after watching his side lose their last two matches in League Two.
Blackburn Rovers host Championship side Norwich City at Ewood Park and manager Sam Allardyce has doubts over Keith Andrews, David Dunn, Pascal Chimbonda and Vince Grella. Paul Robinson is expected to be rested with Mark Bunn or Frank Fielding taking his place in goal. Norwich City manager Paul Lambert will be without Michael Nelson after the defender suffered an ankle injury on Saturday so Jens Berthel is expected to start.
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