This Checkatrade Trophy clash is between two League Two sides in the form of Blackpool and Wycombe Wanderers.
Blackpool are currently in the top half of the table and just five points off the play-off places but have been inconsistent in recent weeks with no back-to-back wins in all competitions since the beginning of December and no wins in any of their last three matches.
As per usual with the Tangerines, the drama has been off the pitch rather than on it with several fan protests overshadowing what has been a pretty decent season.
Although Gary Bowyer’s team have scored 36 goals this season – more than any side above them outside of the top seven – they have not had their shooting boots on in the last few games having failed to find the back of the net in any of their last three. However, defensively they have been pretty solid with just one goal conceded in the last four and a ‘Goals Against’ column reading an impressively low 25 – fewer than all but two of the top seven sides.
Going into this match, Bowyer will be concerned about his side’s home form with two defeats and a draw in the last three. However, prior to this, they had won five on the bounce, demonstrating that they do have the ability to string together a decent run of results.
Wycombe are arguably the most in-form side in the country at the moment having won 11 of their last 12. This incredible run has boosted Gareth Ainsworth’s side into 5th and just five points off the automatic promotion spots. With the Chairboys being on such a run, you would be brave to back against them.
With Wycombe playing the way they are, it is almost impossible to pick any faults, although it is worth noting that, after recording several wins to nil, Ainsworth’s men have conceded in both of their last two matches.
The Chairboys, as you would expect, have been phenomenal on the road and have not lost away from Adams Park since 8th October in any competition.
As previously mentioned, you would be brave to back against Wycombe at the moment and that certainly goes for this match. I am incredibly surprised that the odds on their victory are as good as good as 43/20. There is certainly a poisonous atmosphere around Blackpool at the moment which can only serve to help a visiting side who’re on a roll right now. Backing Wycombe to win is the only way to go, especially at the prices.
See Tuesday’s EFL Cup tip here.