Capital One Cup: Steely Stoke set for Sheffield Wednesday

Stoke City v Sheffield Wednesday

• Capital One Cup quarter-final
• Tuesday, December 1st
• Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
• Britannia Stadium

Wednesday tough Tuesday test for Potters

Mark Hughes Stoke side welcome Sheffield Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.

Having dispatched Arsenal 3-0 in the last round of the Capital One Cup, the Owls are 15/4 with Coral to beat Stoke in the next round, though will be quietly confident of causing problems.

Stoke stumbled last time out, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to Sunderland so Mark Hughes must muster a response from his players against Championship side Wednesday who should not be underestimated.

The Potters’ form of late, though, has been inconsistent at best. It was an uncharacteristic defeat against the Black Cats after two wins on the spin against Chelsea and Southampton and if they are in the mood, the Staffordshire outfit can run riot.

Bojan Krkic got the winner against the Saints and the former Barcelona player has the quality to make a difference, with odds of 5/1 to break the deadlock.

Against Chelsea, it was Austrian Marko Arnautovic who struck the solitary goal and the set-piece specialist is a tempting 2/1 to score in the anytime market.

Joao can wow

Wednesday attacker Lucas Jaoa was the difference against Arsenal; a livewire throughout, linking play and netting a goal.

The 22-year-old Portuguese player is 11/4 to score in the anytime market and has three goals from his last two matches, netting a crucial equaliser against Blackburn Rovers previously.

Joao is also joined by Atdhe Nuhiu in terms of possible goal threats, with 26-year-old 9/4 to net in the anytime market, while midfielder Ross Wallace who hit a superb opener against the Gunners, is 12/1 to break the deadlock.

Walters can prove difference

Having scored in the last round against Chelsea, Jonathan Walters can be relied on to deliver once more and is 9/2 to open the scoring.

The 32-year-old is the unsung hero of his country, Republic of Ireland’s journey to Euro 2016 and often comes up with crucial goals for Stoke. His experience and industry can be vital for the Potters.