This Saturday the acoustically challenged Valleyenders have a rare chance to extend their limited repertoire. Expect to hear several ‘Top of the League’ variations being gleefully chanted in the direction of visiting Bees fans. And why not, it’s been two years since this opportunity presented itself, Wycombe sit proudly at the top and this week entertain sixth placed Brentford, who should bring a large following of their own to Adams Park.
The Chairboys have made their best ever League start and have 13 points from a possible 15. On their travels they have beaten Chester, Chesterfield and Rochdale without conceding a goal. At home the Blues have drawn with Morecambe and beaten Lincoln.
Brentford have 10 points, having beaten Grimsby, Barnet and Dagenham, drawn with Rotherham and suffered defeat at the hands of Bury.
The two sides boast the best defensive records in League Two, Wycombe having only conceded one goal and Brentford two. Neither side have been prolific scorers, the Bees have notched up seven goals and Wycombe only six.
Last season’s meetings between the two sides resulted in six points for the Chairboys. An unmemorable encounter at Adams Park was decided by the only goal of the game, a dubious late penalty converted by Jermaine Easter. The return match at Griffin Park on Boxing Day was one of the most enjoyable Wycombe performances of last season. Over a thousand travelling supporters saw Wycombe come back from 1-0 down at half-time to win 3-1, courtesy of goals from Torres, McGleish and Sutton.
This weekend Blues fans will be hoping to see more of the slick attacking football demonstrated during large parts of the last home game against Lincoln City. Only a fine goalkeeping display that day by the Imps’ keeper prevented Wycombe from scoring a hatful of goals. Brentford however, might prove a different kettle of fish to Lincoln. Unbeaten since the opening day, the Bees are on a good run and come to Adams Park with their confidence high. Their strike force of Elder and MacDonald have notched five goals between them so far and will be looking to build on that this Saturday.
Brentford will be missing Kevin O’Connor who was red-carded last weekend against Dagenham. No fresh injury problems have been reported by the Bees.
Blues strikers Matt Harrold and the on-loan Simon Church will be hoping to make their home debuts at some point during the game. Harrold came on as a substitute at Saltergate last week and may start depending on injuries, although Peter Taylor has said that he is a month away from full fitness. Church will be raring to go after his goal-scoring efforts for the Wales U21 team in Romania on Tuesday but will almost certainly start on the bench.
Wycombe pair Tommy Doherty and Gary Holt are both battling injuries ahead of the game. Manager Peter Taylor has said that he will not risk Doherty if there is any danger of worsening the injury and losing him for even longer. Doherty has pulled the strings in Wycombe’s midfield this season. He keeps it simple but has the ability to find the intelligent passes which set up attacks, whilst weighing in with his trademark tenacious tackling when required. If he doesn’t play, Wycombe have a harder task on their hands to win this one.
Prediction
With Doherty – Wycombe to win by the odd goal.
Without Doherty – A Draw
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