Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Sunderland will be aiming to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over AFC Wimbledon when they take on Wycombe at their Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. The Black Cats are determined to return to the Championship, but the season is quite long. Both Jordan Willis and Denver Hume have been struggling with injuries of late, but head coach Lee Johnson can count on key players for Saturday’s clash.
New signing Alex Pritchard should keep his place in the starting XI after making his full debut against the Dons. The Chairboys, on the other hand, aim to overtake Sheffield Wednesday in top position in the standings, but seeing that Sunderland have turned their Stadium of Light into a real fortress, home win should be considered. Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth should have a full squad to choose from for the League One derby.
Highlighted Player (Will Grigg):
Wighan Athletic striker Will Grigg became a viral sensation during the European Championship in France but the chances are any avid football fan will have been well aware of his goalscoring exploits even before 2016. The 27-year-old forward began his career at Stratford Town but it was in Walsall that the world took notice of his presence after 27 goals in 99 performances for the club.
He first came to prominence during the 2012/13 season when he was voted the club’s Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season, but a loan spell at Milton Keynes Dons during his rather unfortunate two-year spell over at Brentford proved crucial for his career.
The total of 20 goals in 44 appearances at Stadium MK was where Wigan Athletic noticed the Northern Ireland man and moved in to sign him on a three year contract for a £1 million fee in 2015. ‘Will Grigg’s on Fire’ was the hit song of the Euro 2016 even though the Northern Ireland striker ended up not getting a chance to make a bow in the tournament.
Highlighted Team (Wycombe):
Founded back in 1887, Wycombe Wanderers are one of the oldest clubs in the League One. The Chairboys are well known for their sky blue and dark blue shirts, but the colour of their away kit is orange combined with gun-metal gray.
Wycombe Wanderers host their rivals at Adams Park, a small stadium in Sands Industrial Estate which can hold up to 10,137 people. Milton Keynes Dons are seen as the club’s main rivals, with the two teams facing each other in the Buckinghamshire derby. Wycombe Wanderers made it to the FA Cup semis in the 2000/2001, with the team repeating the success in the League Cup six seasons later.
It has to be noted that the Chairboys have two FA Trophy titles (1991, 1993). Legendary midfielder Gareth Ainsworth is considered one of the club’s most famous players. Ainsworth scored 16 goals in 112 league appearances for Wycombe Rovers.