Preview : Bury v Wycombe: The Leaders Clash

Another Key Game For The Blues


Match Background

This Saturday, Gigg Lane hosts the top of the table clash between Bury and Wycombe Wanderers.

First placed Bury only lead Wycombe on goal difference, with both sides currently on seventeen points.

Bury have scored 13 and conceded 6 for a goal difference of +7.
Wycombe have scored 8 and conceded 2 for a goal difference of +6.

They have both won five and drawn two of their seven matches played, making them the only two sides to remain unbeaten in League-Two this season.

Coincidentally, the two sides have also played almost identical fixtures in the League so far. Both clubs have played Morecambe, Lincoln and Brentford at home and both have played Chester, Chesterfield and Rochdale away.

To make things even more interesting, Bury have won all their home matches and Wycombe have won all of their away games, meaning that someone's 100% record must go on Saturday.

In last season's matches between the two sides, Wycombe took 4 points. The Blues won 1-0 at Adams Park early in the season, courtesy of a rare Sergio Torres headed goal. At Gigg Lane in February, the game finished 2-2, Bury equalising in the 88th minute after Wycombe had been two goals up at half time.


Bury are tough opponents

Since Alan Knill took over as Bury manager in February of this year, The Shakers' fortunes have taken a turn for the better. In their 26 League matches since Knill's appointment, they have won 15, drawn 6 and lost only 5. This represents 1.96 points per game, which over a season equates to 90 points. Automatic promotion form.

This season, The Shakers' top scorers are strikers Andy Bishop (4 goals) and Andrew Morrrell (3 goals).

On Saturday, Bury may have to change their line up for the first time in six games. Efe Sodje twisted his ankle in last weekend's game against Brentford and is currently rated only 40% likely to be fit to play. Ryan Cresswell is on standby to deputise.


Wycombe will make a change

Wycombe fans will be hoping that Mike Williamson and Leon Johnson will be fit to take part, each having suffered a broken nose against Dagenham on Saturday. Early indications are that they will both play. Gary Holt will not yet be available for selection.

Simon Church's red card last weekend means that Wycombe will be making at least one change to their starting line-up. Whether Church is replaced up front by Scott McGleish, (who was dropped against Dagenham), Matt Harrold, (who is clearly not yet 100% match fit), or even the untested Magno Vieira, it remains to be seen.


This would be a particularly useful game for the Chairboys to win. With third placed Bradford playing away at fourth placed Shrewsbury on the same day, the opportunity is there not only to go back to the top of the table, but also to put a bit of daylight between themselves and their early season rivals.


Prediction

Another one-nil win would be nice, but Knill's Bury are a better side than some give them credit for.

Bury 1 Wycombe 1

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