Despite defeating Bolton Wanderers and Plymouth Argyle in their last two matches, Wycombe Wanderers are heading to a stadium on Saturday where they have ever won.
This weekend, Gareth Ainsworth’s men will face Sheffield Wednesday to try and keep the winning momentum going after a sticky patch of no wins in six matches.
Buoyed with an in-form Anis Mehmeti and Sam Vokes, along with Garath McCleary returning from injury, the two straight wins were much needed as the Chairboys continue to push for promotion to the Championship at the first attempt.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore (PA)
But the match at Hillsborough won’t be easy as Wednesday, who were one of the teams that went down with Wycombe last season, are too hoping for an immediate return to England’s second tier.
The Owls are three places and five points behind the Chairboys, so to get ready for this weekend’s match, I spoke to Dom Howson from Yorkshire Live to get his views on Wanderers’ visit to Yorkshire.
1.What have you thought of Sheffield Wednesday’s season so far?
DH: “It has been a rollercoaster.
“Everything looked rosy at the start of the season.
They topped the table after four matches, but they have flattered to deceive at times. “Some of their performances have been underwhelming and it has taken a while for a new-look team to gel.
“Although Darren Moore has made them a lot tougher to beat, Wednesday have drawn too many matches thanks to lapses in concentration at the back and a lack of cutting edge at the other end of the pitch.
“The encouraging thing is there is still a lot more to come from this group of players and Wednesday remain within touching distance of the automatic promotion places.
2.Who have been Wednesday’s brightest sparks so far this campaign?
DH: “Former Wycombe player Dennis Adeniran has been a big plus point.
Dennis Adeniran was at Wycombe last season (PA)
“He has contributed three goals from midfield and is a firm fans' favourite.
“His energy and tenacity in the centre has caught the eye.
“It is a shame he will not be involved this weekend due to injury.
“Lee Gregory has also been superb in attack.
“He bagged his seventh goal of the season in the midweek victory over MK Dons.
“At this level, Gregory is arguably one of the best strikers in the league.
3. Wycombe have never won away at Hillsborough – can you see this continuing on Saturday?
DH: “Yes I can.
“Things are slowly coming together for Wednesday.
“Confidence is high around the place and the team will only get stronger when some of their injured players return to the first team fold.
“And Wednesday have also been extremely strong in their own backyard, losing just once this season.”
Sheffield Wednesday have confirmed that tickets WILL be available to buy on the day on Saturday (cash only at the turnstiles).#SHWvWYC
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 25, 2021
4. Despite being in the top five, are there any weaknesses at Wednesday which could be exploited by Wycombe this weekend?
DH: “Set pieces.
“Wednesday have conceded a lot of goals from free kicks and particularly corners in recent months.Injuries have limited Moore's defensive options.
“He is currently without Dominic Iorfa, Sam Hutchinson, Lewis Gibson and Marvin Johnson.
“Wednesday are not the biggest of teams so I'm sure Wycombe will be looking to target them in the air from dead-ball situations.”
5. Are Wednesday fearful of Wycombe following their win at Plymouth?
DH: “Wednesday should not fear any team in this league.
“Moore has assembled one of the strongest squads in the division.
“He had the luxury of being able to bring on Massimo Luongo, Josh Windass and Saido Berahino the other night.
“Quite a few of their back up players would walk into a lot of League One teams.
New recruit Nathaniel Mendez-Laing could make his #SWFC debut this weekend.
— Dom Howson (@domhowson) November 25, 2021
Another player to have joined the club with a big point to prove. 🦉👇https://t.co/5zV0OqXLRG
“Wednesday will no doubt show Wycombe plenty of respect but they definitely should not fear them.
6. What’s your prediction?
I am going to go for Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Wycombe Wanderers
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