Wednesday will be looking to get back on track at Adams Park following their first defeat in seven games at Carlisle United on Tuesday night.
Gary Megson’s men have been untouchable at Hillsborough so far this term but have dropped plenty of points on their travels. Victory against a Wanderers side slumped in the League One relegation places will be vital if the Owls are to stay on-course for the top-two.
Wanderers have already seen off Sheffield United on home soil this term and they’ll be eager to make it a Steel City double.
Vital Quotes:
Wanderers boss Gary Waddock told the Bucks Free Press:
‘We know how difficult a task it’s going to be coming up against a well organised team. But it’s a wonderful challenge for us, going up against clubs like that.’
He continued: ‘I was saying last year we’ll only be judged on where we finish and this year it’ll be the same.
‘We don’t want to be in the position we are in, that’s for sure, but does it really count for anything now? At the end of the season is the only time it counts.
‘It’s not where we are today, it’s where we finish and we don’t want to be where we are.’
Wycombe Wanderers Team News:
Wycombe are set to be boosted with the return of Scott Donnelly, who missed their midweek defeat against Charlton Athletic with a sickness bug.
But they’ll still be without Martin Rowlands, who’s not yet ready for a return to action.
Wycombe are struggling at the wrong end of npower League One but will be confident of beating the Owls thanks to a victory over Steel City neighbours Sheffield United at Adams Park this term.
Player to watch: Stuart Beavon
Beavon is Wycombe’s top scorer so far this season with eight goals. He’s netted four in the league and four in cup competitions, and he’ll be eager to extend that when the Owls visit. He netted in the 2-1 loss to Charlton in midweek.
Wednesday Team News:
Wednesday will be without top-scorer Gary Madine for the trip to Adams Park, with the striker sitting out a one-game ban for his sending off against Carlisle United.
It could be a longer suspension after being charged by the FA for improper conduct following his red card, but in the meantime Wednesday will look towards Ryan Lowe and Chris O’Grady to grab the goals.
Lowe, who’s just returned to full fitness and featured as a substitute in the 2-0 win over Colchester last time out, will be the ideal replacement for Madine.
But Megson also has Clinton Morrison available, and Jermaine Johnson can also play in attack, so options are available to the Owls boss.
Defender Reda Johnson is expected to return at left-back in place of Julian Bennett, who came in at Carlisle to cover the suspended Benin international.
Megson could also decide to go with either of Liam Palmer or Jermaine Johnson in midfield in place of James O’Connor.
Player to watch: Ryan Lowe
The former Bury man is expected to come in for the suspended Madine, and he’ll be eager to take his chance while he can. Lowe has yet to make a league start for the Owls, mainly due to injury, but is now back to full fitness.
Match Facts & Stats
Form:
Wycombe: L-L-W-D-L
Wednesday: L-W-D-W-W
Head-to-Head:
Wycombe wins: 0
Wednesday wins: 1
Draws: 1
Last Time Out:
Wednesday 1-1 Wycombe
Hillsborough, 30/01/2004
The last time Wednesday played Wanderers Adam Proudlock scored an equaliser after Ian Simpemba had fired the visitors into an early lead.
Next Fixtures:
v Brentford (H) – 5/11/11
