Championship Gameweek 36
Mar 13, 2021 3.00pm
1
0
HT : 1 0
FT Adams Park
  • Ryan Tafazolli 27' goal
  • Daryl Horgan 38' yellowcard
  • Garath McCleary 56' yellowcard
  • yellowcard Sean Maguire 58'

Preview: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

Wycombe vs. Preston - prediction, team news, lineups

Bottom-of-the-table Wycombe Wanderers welcome Preston North End to Adams Park on Saturday afternoon looking to end a four-match losing streak in the Championship.

While the home side look certainties for relegation, Preston sit in 15th position after claiming just one victory in six fixtures.


Match preview

Sitting 12 points adrift of 21st place with just 11 matches remaining, Gareth Ainsworth knows that his Wycombe side are running out of chances to stay in the second tier.

Despite their tough recent schedule, Ainsworth will be desperately disappointed that four successive defeats have occurred without them troubling the scoresheet.

The Chairboys remained in the games at Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers for long periods, but failure to breach either backline means that last season's League One playoff winners are almost at the point of no return.

Just 14 points and 10 goals have come from their 17 home encounters, statistics which will be viewed as the difference makers if Wycombe's relegation is confirmed in the coming weeks.

Nevertheless, while they can mathematically survive, Ainsworth will have faith in a group of players which have occasionally produced against the odds this season.

Like their hosts, Preston will regard this fixture as the ideal opportunity to get back on track after going two matches without a win.

With just one point being claimed from meetings with Millwall and Bournemouth, Alex Neil's side look increasingly likely to remain in mid-table for the rest of the season.

However, still trailing 11th position by just two points, there is an opportunity for Preston to get themselves back into the top half of the table with a ninth away success of the season.

Only leaders Norwich City have won more games on their travels, suggesting that the North-West outfit have the quality in their ranks to make a late burst for the top eight.

Wycombe Wanderers Championship form:
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • L

Preston North End Championship form:
  • L
  • L
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • D


Team News

Nnamdi Ofoborh, Scott Kashket and Uche Ikpeazu are all in contention for a recall to the Wycombe XI.

Despite having recently returned to the substitutes' bench, Adebayo Akinfenwa is unlikely to be used in the starting lineup.

Sean Maguire, Brad Potts and Anthony Gordon will be considered for starting roles after dropping down to the substitutes' bench last time out.

While Daniel Johnson may keep Potts out of the Preston side, Everton loanee Gordon is in line to take the place of Scott Sinclair.

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Stockdale; McCarthy, Knight, Tafazolli, Jacobson; Ofoborh, Gape; Kashket, Mehmeti, Horgan; Ikpeazu

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Iversen; Van den Berg, Huntington, Storey, Cunningham; Browne, Whiteman; Barkhuizen, Johnson, Gordon; Evans


We say: Wycombe Wanderers 0-2 Preston North End

Wanderers have little choice but to throw caution to the wind on Saturday, something which does not necessarily suit the players at Ainsworth's disposal. With no pressure on Preston, we are backing the visitors to record a relatively comfortable win at Adams Park.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Away:data


Author photo

Written by

POLL
Who will win Saturday's Championship clash between Wycombe and Preston?
Wycombe Wanderers 38%
Draw 19%
Preston North End 44%
Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe