Match Preview: Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth (FA Cup Third Round)

Fixture:Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth

Date: Friday, 10th January 2025

Kick-off: 7:45 PM (GMT)

Venue: Adams Park, High Wycombe

Competition: FA Cup Third Round

Wycombe Wanderers host Portsmouth at Adams Park in an intriguing FA Cup clash. With Wycombe pushing for promotion in League One and Portsmouth battling relegation in the Championship, this match promises drama and potential for a cup upset.

Wycombe are having an excellent season in League One, currently sitting 2nd in the table. The Chairboys have been in solid form, losing just one of their last five matches. Their top scorer Richard Kone, with 13 goals in 24 league games, will be key to their chances, supported by creative midfielder Cameron Humphreys, who has contributed four goals and six assists this season.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches): WDWLW

Key Stats: Wycombe have scored 50 goals this season across all competitions. The Chairboys have won three of their last six matches in all competitions.

Portsmouth’s season has been a struggle, with the team sitting in the Championship relegation zone. Their away form is particularly concerning, having lost their last four matches on the road. Despite this, Pompey have shown glimpses of their attacking potential, notably scoring four goals in home wins over Swansea and Coventry recently.

Recent Form (Last 5 Matches): LWLLW

Key Stats: Portsmouth have scored 30 goals this season but conceded heavily in their defeats. Callum Lang has been a standout player, scoring four goals in a single game against Coventry.

Wycombe and Portsmouth have faced each other 20 times over the years, with Pompey having the upper hand.

• Total Matches: 20
• Wycombe Wins: 5
• Portsmouth Wins: 8
• Draws: 7
  

• 29 Mar 2024: Wycombe 1-3 Portsmouth (League One)
• 3 Oct 2023: Portsmouth 2-1 Wycombe (League One)
• 7 May 2023: Portsmouth 2-2 Wycombe (League One)
• 4 Dec 2022: Wycombe 2-0 Portsmouth (League One)
• 19 Mar 2022: Portsmouth 0-0 Wycombe (League One)
  

Wycombe are expected to field a strong team as they aim to continue their FA Cup journey. Richard Kone and Cameron Humphreys are likely to be the focal points of their attack.

Predicted Starting XI:
Ravizzoli; Grimmer, Tafazolli, Hartridge, Low; Scowen, Butcher; Onyedinma, Humphreys, McCleary; Kone

Portsmouth are dealing with injuries and may rotate their squad to focus on their league survival battle. Callum Lang and Joshua Murphy are expected to play crucial roles in attack.

Predicted Starting XI:
Schmid; Ogilvie, Swanson, Towler, McIntyre; Pack, Dozzell; Murphy, Bishop, Lane; Lang

Please note that actual starting lineups may vary depending on final team selections and any last-minute changes.

• Wycombe's Home Advantage: Playing at Adams Park provides a significant boost for Wycombe. Their strong home form and recent performances suggest they can capitalise on this advantage.
• Wycombe's Attacking Prowess: With Richard Kone leading the line and Cameron Humphreys providing creative support, Wycombe possesses a potent attacking threat.
• Portsmouth's Defensive Struggles: Their recent away form, particularly their defensive record, suggests they could be vulnerable against a strong Wycombe attack.
  

• Wycombe Wanderers: Wycombe will look to exploit Portsmouth’s defensive vulnerabilities, focusing on Richard Kone’s finishing ability and Humphreys’ creativity. Their strong home form should give them confidence.
• Portsmouth: Portsmouth will likely adopt a counter-attacking approach, relying on Callum Lang’s pace and finishing. Their defensive frailties, however, remain a concern, particularly against an in-form Wycombe attack.
  

This clash pits Wycombe’s strong League One form against Portsmouth’s Championship struggles. While Wycombe have momentum and home advantage, Portsmouth’s experience in the higher division could make this a close encounter.

• Wycombe Wanderers to Win
• Over 2.5 Goals
• Richard Kone Anytime Goalscorer
  

Wycombe’s Richard Kone is on course for his best-ever season, having already matched his League One goal tally from last year. Meanwhile, Portsmouth’s Callum Lang is the first Pompey player in over a decade to score four goals in a single game.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.