ROY Hodgson believes the winners of tonight's FA Cup fourth round tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers could well have Wembley in their sights.

And his opposite number, Owls boss Ron Atkinson, agrees.

But whichever team triumphs at Hillsborough tonight, they will have to do it the hard way if there is to be a day out in London come May.

For the reward for victory tonight is a dubious one - a trip to Upton Park to face a West Ham side who can do little wrong at home.

The Rovers boss, who must decide whether to play Jason Wilcox or Patrick Valery at left back and is without at least three other seniors in Lars Bohinen, Martin Dahlin and suspended Garry Flitcroft, rates FA Cup glory high on his target list.

"Whoever wins this one could be looking at the possibility maybe of going all the way," said Hodgson before a tough fifth round prospect emereged.

"Because some teams of quality are already out of the competition.

"Chelsea are out, so are Liverpool and, after this round, there might be one or two others.

"So whichever team wins is going to be looking for an extended run.

"I think the odds, if anything, are against us in the sense that Wednesday - who are a similar side to us as a Premiership team with an eye on top places - have got home advantage. "We have to try to do something about that and win the game away from home or get a good result, a draw, and bring them back here."

The left-back spot is the biggest decision Hodgson has to make.

He said: "My options are more limited than against Villa because Gary Croft is injured. It comes down to a choice between Jason and Patrick.

"I opted for Jason against Villa because we were at home and I felt we would probably have the lion's share of possession. I also knew Villa operated with a back three and wing-backs, and that there wouldn't be much doubling up down the flanks.

"Wednesday play a different way and cause different problems. I will have to think very carefully."

Rovers are set to pick from: Flowers, Kenna, Henchoz, Hendry, Wilcox, Valery, Ripley, Sherwood, McKinlay, Duff, Sutton, Gallacher, T Pedersen, Beattie, Andersson, Broomes, Fettis.

Wednesday were today trying to complete the signing of Andy Hinchcliffe for around £3 million from Everton.

But he would be ineligible to figure in the tie. Manager Ron Atkinson has already admitted this season that he feels his side could go all the way, particularly if they can beat Rovers at Hillsborough.

Atkinson's only injury doubt is Swedish international Niclas Alexandersson, who has been receiving treatment on an ankle problem, while Graham Hyde starts a two-match ban.

Italian Benito Carbone returns after his own two-game suspension which means leading scorer and £4.5million club record signing Paolo Di Canio could possibly be dropped as he faces an impending one-match ban following his sending off in the third round replay win over Watford.

Wednesday are expected to choose from: Pressman, Nolan, Walker, Newsome, Pembridge, Stefanovic, Atherton, Whittingham, Carbone, Di Canion, Humphreys, Booth, Magilton, Rudi, Alexandersson, Oakes, Clarke.

Tickets will be available for Rovers fans at Hillsborough tonight (kick-off 8pm).

Rovers A drew 0-0 with Stoke, while the B team lost 3-1 at Manchester United. Paul Forsyth scored their consolation goal.

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