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Sheffield Wednesday v Everton preview

Image: Laws: Everton encounter

Owls striker Francis Jeffers will face former club Everton on Wednesday on a high.

Big night for Jeffers and Jagielka at Hillsborough

Owls striker Francis Jeffers will face former club Everton on Wednesday on a high. For he broke his duck for the season on Saturday with a superb 20-yard strike to help Wednesday get their first Championship win this term, beating Hull 1-0. The Carling Cup third round match at Hillsborough is sure to prove an emotional night for Jeffers, who played for the Toffees in two spells from 1997-2004. It will also be a big night for Everton ace Phil Jagielka, who will be returning to play in the Steel City for the first time since his switch from Sheffield United. Speaking to evertonTV, Jagielka said: "Hopefully I will get a game and it will be nice to get a run out at Hillsborough as an ex-Sheffield United player.

Tasty

"I am sure I will get a tasty reception from their fans." Everton go into the game on the back of three winless games - including two Premiership defeats to Aston Villa and Manchester United - while they could only draw 1-1 at home in their European clash with Metalist Kharkiv last Thursday. Wednesday will hope their win against Hull on Saturday has turned a corner for them, after they failed to pick up a single point in their first six Championship games.
Injury
On an injury front, Etienne Esajes (back), Steve Watson (hip) and Glenn Whelan (thigh) are doubts for the Owls, while Michael Johnson could be rested. But defender Tommy Spurr passed a fitness test and is available again. Everton are likely to play fit-again Alan Stubbs in central defence in place of Joseph Yobo, who missed training on Tuesday because of illness. Mikel Arteta (ankle) is doubtful, but Stefan Wessels should continue in goal for the injured Tim Howard. The Toffees and the Owls last met in March 2000 in the Premiership, sharing a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.