Sheffield Wednesday v Mansfield Town: Banking minutes versus building momentum is Xisco Munoz's dilemma

Even at this early stage of the season, the Owls are the only team in the Football League yet to take a point.

Even their first-round "victory" at home to League Two Stockport County came after a 90-minute 1-1 draw and a penalty shoot-out Wednesday won 4-1.

So a League Cup second-round tie at home to League Two Mansfield Town offers plenty of possibilities.

As Munoz is very quick to regularly and correctly point out, the Owls will need time to gel. The season is only four games old and he made 10 signings this summer, with the possibility of more attacking "sugar" to come before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline.

That points to keeping the same group together and giving them the chance to build relationships and confidence-boosting wins, starting with one against Nigel Clough's Stags, who have made an unbeaten start to the season.

But by the same token, if there are players on the fringes with the potential to improve things, or who could be needed to step in should injuries like the one suffered by midfielder Momo Diaby occur, Munoz needs to test them out and they need to stay sharp.

"I know what the responsibility is, being manager of this club," said the former Watford coach. "I know we have some players who do not have the minutes in the Championship so far so maybe we can use them, maybe not.

"We will see how they are and try to give our best for the next game."

Forward Mallik Wilks, yet to feature under the Spaniard since an injury-hit pre-season where he got just 20 minutes of football, may come into his thinking on Tuesday.

"Mallik is in the adapting process so we'll see if the doctor gives me the okay for him for the next game," said Munoz of the former Hull City, Barnsley and Leeds United player. "But he is working very hard.

"We will see what happens and (judge) the recovery of the players. We'll try and put out our best team (but) some players need minutes.

"(Djeidi) Gassama played on Friday with the under-21s because he had no pre-season."

Wilks has started more cup games (six) than league (five) for the Owls since their drawn-out pursuit of the now-24-year-old came to fruition this time last year.

The Owls have been commendably efficient in putting together a new-look squad, but Munoz has one eye on the Premier League market to see if he can sprinkle some late stardust, most likely on loan.

"We will see what happens and we're working hard to find some players that can come from the Premier League and help the situation," he revealed.

"This is like coffee: you put more sugar in, the taste is better. We will see what will happen before the window closes.

"If we can find some players who can give better situations and improve us in attack, it will be better for us.

"If not, I have my best squad ever, ever. I will fight with them from the first until the last second.

"If somebody can arrive, it is perfect. If nobody arrives, we fight with the 25 players we have in our squad."

That his squad is up to full strength mean any outsiders given a chance could be playing for their Hillsborough futures.

Reece James, whose loan from Blackpool was made permanent in the summer, is yet to start in the Championship under Munoz and Marvin Johnson, rewarded with a new contract after promotion, has not featured at all. Michael Smith and Will Vaulks have only made one league start each.

Summer signings Ashley Fletcher and Gassama have only featured from the bench in the league and Anthony Musaba and Di'Shon Bernard have kicked off a Championship game each whereas defender Pol Valentin's only game-time came in the last round.

One player who need not worry about his future is Josh Windass, an unused substitute against Preston North End in what Munoz shrugged off as a horses-for-courses decision. He was restored to the line-up at Cardiff City on Saturday and made Barry Bannan’s goal in the demoralising 2-1 defeat.

"Josh is an important player and it was only one game,” said Munoz of the forward.

“I'm not thinking about just 11 players, we have a squad. We need to work as 25 players together as one."

The third round draw, which features teams involved in Europe for the first time this season, is due to take place on Wednesday after the game hosted by another Yorkshire team in need of a cup win to kick-start their league form. Doncaster Rovers are at home to pointless Everton.