After a weekend off due to the international break, Wycombe Wanderers are back in action against a struggling Doncaster Rovers side this Saturday at Adams Park.
Prior to the break, the Chairboys are currently unbeaten in five matches, picking up three wins, two draws and four clean sheets, as they continue to push for promotion to the Championship.
On Saturday @wwfcofficial is celebrating the career of @daRealAkinfenwa and we want to hear your favourite Bayo moments and messages of support! You can leave us your messages on 01494 445 445 and we will play them out on Saturday! #WycSo pic.twitter.com/gYly3BnxfF
— Wycombe Sound (@WycombeSound) March 30, 2022
On the other hand, their opponents in Doncaster have had one of their worst seasons in recent years, as the Yorkshire outfit sit second bottom in the League One table, picking up just eight league wins from their 40 matches.
So to get ready for this battle in Buckinghamshire, I spoke to Paul Goodwin from the Doncaster Free Press, to see what he thinks ahead of their visit to Adams Park this weekend.
What have you made of the season so far?
PG: “Miserable.
“It was meant to be one of consolidation after last season's horrendous collapse from February onwards but the slide has continued and, worryingly, there's very few signs of it stopping.
“Richie Wellens was tasked with a rebuilding job when he was appointed in the summer but a combination of bad luck with injuries and poor judgement with recruitment left him unable to get a tune out the squad.
We're saying 'thanks for the memories' to @daRealAkinfenwa at this Saturday's game against Doncaster at Adams Park.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) March 30, 2022
Make sure you're part of it!#WYCvDON
“Gary McSheffrey replaced him in December and initially appeared to galvanise the squad.
“He found a way of nicking a few results away from home but things have plateaued spectacularly over recent weeks.
“Confidence looks shot and the team appear to be completely devoid of attacking ideas and inspiration.
“Rovers come into this game having failed to score in their last four matches.”
READ MORE: Wycombe youngster joins Non League outfit on loan until the end of the season
Is survival realistic for Doncaster this season?
PG: “It's still mathematically possible, which is incredible given just how bad Rovers have been this season.
“But it's highly improbable.
“McSheffrey has said Rovers will have to win at least four of their last six games to stay up.
Wycombe Vs Doncaster
— S.P.R sports stats (Simon) (@Footiespr5687) March 30, 2022
Wycombe Wanderers have won the last 3 league home meetings with Doncaster . Rovers have not scored in 384 minutes of football @wwfcofficial @drfc_official #chairboys #drfc Prediction = 3-0
They have won five in 21 under him and haven't won back-to-back league matches all season.
When the two sides last met in October, Wycombe had the game in the bag very early on. Can you see something similar happening on Saturday?
PG: “McSheffrey's game-plan has been to try and keep things tight defensively, stay in the game and then nick a goal on the counter attack or from a set piece.
“Rovers have one of the leakiest defences in the country so he had to try and tighten things up at the back.
“But his team are also the lowest scorers in League One - so you can see why Rovers are in big trouble!
“If Wycombe score early again it could be a very long and difficult afternoon for Doncaster.
⬇️ Everything you need to know ahead of Doncaster Rovers' clash with Wycombe Wanderers
— Doncaster Free Press - Doncaster Rovers (@FreePressRovers) March 31, 2022
💰 Odds
📺 TV and streaming
🔎 Referee info
🚑 Early injury and team news#drfc https://t.co/FQTotCHiBe
“This team has a habit of going under when the going gets tough.”
Who are the players Wycombe need to be on the lookout for?
PG: “I wouldn't worry too much.
“Tommy Rowe has been consistent and he's doing everything he can to lead by example and inspire his teammates. But there simply aren't enough senior pros like him in the squad.
“It has been too heavily weighted towards young lads who are making their way in the game.
“Saying that, one of those youngsters deserves praise.
“Midfielder Matt Smith, on loan from Arsenal, has been excellent.
“He covers every blade of grass.”
READ MORE: Famous names, celebrities and YouTubers to play at Adams Park charity match in May
As this is Akinfenwa’s last dance, what are your thoughts on the striker, and what are your memories of him when he was at Donny back in 2004?
PG: “He's a great character and it's a shame he's calling it a day.
“The game needs characters like him.
“His spell at Rovers was before my time here but I know the fans have very fond memories of him and the travelling supporters will be sure to give him a good reception on Saturday.”
Up the #WorldwideWanderers!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) March 24, 2022
Buy tickets to @daRealAkinfenwa’s farewell fixture vs Doncaster at Adams Park on Saturday 2nd April by visiting https://t.co/L8vpuGV6G0.#WYCvDON https://t.co/Xe6atT85pD
READ MORE: Former Wycombe Wanderers cult hero could face the Chairboys as manager next month
Your prediction?
PG: “It's hard to see anything other than a home win, and if Wycombe re-find their shooting boots it could get messy.
"Wycombe Wanderers 3-0 Doncaster Rovers."
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