Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has insisted that Milton Keynes’ current league position will not factor into his preparation for this weekend’s fixture in the Buckinghamshire derby.

The Chairboys travel north of the border to Stadium MK on October 22 with Liam Manning’s side sitting 22nd in the League One table, where they have lost nine of their opening 13 league games this season.

This includes conceding 10 goals in their last four matches which have all ended in defeats.

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Wanderers have also had a slow start to the campaign, as they have lost six of their first 13 games, but two back-to-back victories against local rivals Oxford United and promotion-pushing Peterborough United have eased the nerves at Adams Park club.

When asked if this was ‘best time’ to play MK, Ainsworth said: “Absolutely not as we’ve started [the season] poorly too.

“Oxford and Peterborough were probably looking at us thinking this was a good opportunity to get some points because we’ve started poorly.

“We’re not looking at that as we’re going to focus on what we do and that’s what I always do.

“The moment you start worrying too much about form, how many injuries they have or what they’re going to do, it doesn't matter as we need to focus on ourselves.

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“First and foremost, look after your own house and don’t disrespect anyone.

“We had Hartlepool in the FA Cup last year and they beat us, and they are in the league below, never mind a few places below.

“Honestly, this game will eat you up if you start thinking any game will be easy because of a start or whatever.

“They have lost some players and that has impacted them without a doubt, but Liam Manning is a good guy, he has a way that he wants to play and I’m sure it’ll be a tough encounter on Saturday.”

This Saturday will be the first time since their play-off semi-final victory back in May that Wycombe are returning to Stadium MK.

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A 1-0 loss on May 8 in north Buckinghamshire sent Wanderers to Wembley after they defeated MK 2-1 on aggregate, following a 2-0 win at Adams Park three days prior.

In the Chairboy’s nine visits to MK, they have lost six, drawn one and won two.