I've been looking forward to this game since the day Wycombe won the League on playoffs against our local rival/not rival Oxford United. Having grown up in Wycombe and moved here in 2006 I know that in recent years this fixture has been pretty rare.
In terms of this season it seem that the Championship was a step too far for this team right now. The expectations at the beginning of last season, even with the limited influx of cash from potential new American Owner Rob Couhig avoiding relegation from League one was what most Wycombe fans wanted. But with that money being spent wisely, plus some good loans added to the work rate and togetherness that Ainsworth has always promoted in his Wycombe teams got us to the playoffs and then to the championship.
This season it seems that hard work and togetherness doesn't keep you up! I don't know enough to comment on whether it is a lack of tactical nous that has got them where they are, or a lack of quality. probably a bit of both. If (still not certain!) we do go down it will leave us in quite good stead for League One. I think the quality of squad should be decent for that level.
As for this week, the original post is right that a week can make a massive difference! Before the Millwall game I was hoping for a draw for the Swans and Wycombe to beat Luton at home. But a red card for Leicester Loanee Josh Knight (his loan has been a real high note this year) saw us concede 3 goals for the loss. And staring into the abyss.
For the game itself I can't see past the Swans winning at home. As I said above Wycombe rely on their workrate and togetherness not thier technical ability. If Swans move the ball at pace (here's hoping!) Wycombe will be in real trouble. If they let Wycombe bully them it may be a different story.
In terms of players, I haven't seen whether Knight is suspended or if he had his card overturned (probably not) but he has been decent. Ainsworth has recently employed three at the back so we shall see if he continues with that. IMO our best player is Anis Mehmeti, the sort of player that when he gets the ball fans take note. Albanian U21 who was playing tier 9 last season after leaving Norwich. Has plenty of promise. Anthony Stewart was excellent the previous year but hasn't made the step up in the way many hoped he would. Joe Jacobson has a deadly delivery, but hasn't been as prolific in this division and is slowing down.
In terms of ex-Swans, Alex Samuel hasn't got much game time this year, probably better suited to Lge 1. And then the Beast, it was unrealistic to expect him to contribute in the same way he has in his previous four years with us but he's a massive presence off the pitch, but I would love him to score one Championship goal. We bought Uche Ikpeazu in a bid to replace his presence and he has done well. They are different players, Uche is strong but loves to run at players and wins a few penalties on the way.
Overall if the Swans click like they can don't be surprised if it's 3 or 4, Brentford put 7 past us.
