The Opposition View: Wycombe Wanderers

Last updated : 21 October 2013 By Jim Bonner

How do you assess the start to Wycombe's season?

In terms of league position it has been excellent. I think the general consensus is probably still that we'll be mid-table come the end of the season but flirting with the playoffs will definitely keep things interesting.

I have to say I think the league is pretty poor this year which is helping us at the moment. We haven't really played to our potential consistently as it has tended to be 45 minutes bad and then 45 minutes good during one game or 90 minutes bad and then 90 minutes good in consecutive games so it's very difficult to predict our results!

Paris Cowan-Hall was touted for great things when he was a youngster at Pompey but never made the grade. What do you think of him?

He's been excellent despite only playing a few games. He scored on his debut in the first game of the season then missed about six weeks with injury. He's come back for the last four games and the last three have been won which have seen Paris playing up front rather than out wide right. He scored two headers the other week and looks a real handful.

Who have been your best performers so far this season?

Matt Ingram in goal has been excellent, as have all four centre backs that have played over the course of the season so far (apart from a disastrous first half at Rochdale). Dean Morgan and the above mentioned Paris Cowan-Hall have also been our best attacking options though both have suffered with injuries.

What are the biggest weaknesses in your team?

Inconsistency and ill-discipline.

We've put in some dreadful performances - Mansfield, Burton, Rochdale (first half), Torquay (first half) and some excellent performances - Oxford, Plymouth, Torquay (second half), Hartlepool (second half) but if we don't start to play consistently well we'll find ourselves mid-table unfortunately.

Three sendings off this season so far have arguably cost us 3 or 4 points, we've also already lost Dean Morgan for one game after five yellow cards. Ainsworth demands total commitment from his players and unfortunately he does seem to potentially fire them up a little too much sometimes!

What do you make of the Portsmouth squad and are there any players that cause you concern?

On paper Pompey should be much higher than they are so I have to assume the fact they aren't is a reflection on Guy Whittingham's managerial capabilities? Jed Wallace is the obvious one who's impressed me when I've seen him.

What sort of football do Wycombe play?

We started off playing wingers in a 4-4-2 system but have changed recently to a narrow midfield which plays to our strengths with some strong midfielders but that does mean we struggle with no width sometimes. We'll be set up to attack, though, as we are most weeks.

What kind of match are you expecting under the Fratton Park floodlights on Tuesday night?

Hopefully an excellent one, bound to be a good atmosphere especially as it's an evening game. I'm sure both sides will go for the win so I predict goals!

Predict the outcome of the game.

A 2-2 draw.