Wycombe Wanderers hopeful of avoiding FA Cup upset against City

WYCOMBE Wanderers are the current occupiers of the automatic promotion spots in Sky Bet League One - but could face an upset when taking on York City this weekend.

York will travel to Wycombe on Saturday, November 2 (3pm), having not lost a competitive match of football in over two months.

The Press spoke to Bucks Free Press reporter James Richings on what York can expect from Wycombe at the weekend.

How has Wycombe’s season gone so far?

Wycombe have started the season brilliantly. Despite losing the three of opening four games in all competitions, they are unbeaten since the end of August and are playing some really terrific stuff.

They have scored in every game so far this season bar one (a 1-0 loss away at AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy), and have scored in every league fixture this season.

Matt Bloomfield likes to play on the front foot and use the wingers, and that has been a big part of Wanderers’ season.

The Wycombe of old as this long-ball team is a thing of the past.

They look really good, hence why they are second in League One.

Off the pitch, they were taken over in May, have got plans for a new academy and are investing in improving the facilities around Adams Park.

These are very exciting times.

Who is Wycombe’s man to watch out for?

Josh Scowen is probably one of Wycombe’ most important players. He’s our N’Golo Kante. He covers every blade of grass and even though he’s traditionally a CDM, he has been playing in more of an advanced role this season.

He’s popped up with a few assists so far this campaign, but he continues to do the dirty work too.

Richard Kone and Dan Udoh have also been very good.

The story of Kone is on everyone’s lips right now, and his hat-trick in less than 10 minutes against Peterborough United a few weeks ago will certainly gather him more attention.

Dan Udoh joined from Shrewsbury Town in the summer and he’s been excellent.

A real speed merchant who is good with both feet, he will certainly be up there as one of Wycombe’s highest scorers this season.

Other names to look out for are Garath McCleary, Fred Onyedinma and Cam Humphreys.

All three have popped up with important goals so far this season.

Can you see York pulling off an upset against higher-league opposition?

Wycombe have been knocked out of the FA Cup in each of the last three seasons by lower league opposition at Adams Park without scoring.

They were all to League Two teams.

The first was Hartlepool in 2021/22, then Walsall in 2022/23, then Morecambe last season.

A National League side coming to AP is a rarity as that hasn’t happened for a little while, and with York doing so well at this present moment, who knows?

The FA Cup always comes up with a shock result and from our perspective, we hope it doesn’t happen on Saturday afternoon!

But yes, York are a good side and it won’t be an easy game for Wycombe.

How will Wycombe tend to set-up, and what style of play do they implement?

Wycombe’s formation are usually based on who they play, but we could see a 4-1-4-1 line-up, as that is the most common one.

The wingers tend to swap and Aaron Morely sits in the hole which allows Josh Scowen to push up.

However, changes are expected so we could see something different on Saturday.

Are Wycombe likely to rotate?

Without a doubt.

After York, Wanderers have two back-to-back away league matches.

The first is at Stockport on Tuesday night, and then Wigan on Saturday.

Changes will be made to freshen up the squad, so whilst several starters might feature, we could see numerous fringe players make the squad.

What is your score prediction for the match?

It won’t be easy for Wycombe, but I’m going to back them.

Wycombe Wanderers 3-2 York City