A place in the third round of the EFL Cup will be at stake when Wycombe Wanderers welcome Sutton United to Bloomfield Road on Tuesday.
The Chairboys are enjoying a three-game unbeaten run, while Sutton are experiencing a poor run of form after suffering four consecutive defeats.
Match preview
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Wycombe’s league campaign began with consecutive 3-0 defeats, which took place either side of their 2-0 win over MK Dons in the first round of the EFL Cup.
While those opening two league results would have disappointed Matt Bloomfield, the Wycombe boss will be pleased with the way his side have responded in recent weeks, with their last three matches producing two wins and a draw.
After beating Leyton Orient 3-2 to claim their first league win of the season, the Chairboys played out a goalless away in their home meeting with Burton Albion.
They returned to winning ways at the weekend when they recorded a 2-1 away win over Bristol Rovers, courtesy of goals from Joe Low and substitute Gareth McCleary.
With Wycombe enjoying a positive run of form, they will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s cup tie, where they will attempt to reach the third round for the second time in the last three seasons.
Meanwhile, Sutton began the 2023-24 campaign with a couple of positive results, thrashing Notts County 5-1 before beating Cambridge United on penalties in the first round of the EFL Cup.
However, since that penalty shootout success, Sutton have suffered four consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 away loss to Newport County on Saturday.
Despite taking the lead against Newport thanks to Omari Patrick‘s 50th-minute opener, Matt Gray‘s side conceded three goals in the final 20 minutes to leave Rodney Parade empty-handed.
Sutton, who are competing in the EFL Cup for the third time, will look to return to winning ways in their first-ever appearance in the second round.
Having conceded six goals in the last two games, Sutton will need to improve defensively if they are to trouble Wycombe on Tuesday.
Wycombe Wanderers EFL Cup form:
Wycombe Wanderers form (all competitions):
Sutton United EFL Cup form:
Sutton United form (all competitions):
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Team News
Wycombe are unable to call upon David Wheeler and Jack Grimmer due to injury issues, while Joe Jacobson is a doubt after missing the last two matches with a knock.
Jason McCarthy will be on the bench again after recovering from injury to make his first appearance of the season as a late substitute on Saturday.
West Ham loanee Freddie Potts could be recalled to the starting lineup after dropping down to the bench against Bristol Rovers.
As for Sutton, they are without the services of goalkeeper Steve Arnold, who is currently sidelined with a hip injury.
After serving a three-match suspension, Harry Smith could be brought into the side to partner Lee Angol in the forward line.
Sam Hart and Aiden O’Brien both returned from injuries to make substitute appearances at the weekend, and they will provide Gray with useful options off the bench for Tuesday’s contest.
Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Stryjek; Forino-Joseph, Low, Tafazolli; Vicent-Young, Potts, Scowen, Leahy, Boyes; Taylor, Vokes
Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Rose; Kizzi, Goodliffe, Sowunmi, Milsom; Coley, Beautyman, Clay, Patrick; Angol, Smith
We say: Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Sutton United
Wycombe head into Tuesday’s contest in a positive mood, and we think they will continue their fine run of form against a Sutton side who are low on confidence following a run of four straight defeats.
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