Wycombe Wanderers assistant manager Richard Dobson has revealed why he and Gareth Ainsworth decided to make wholesale changes for their away fixture at Plymouth Argyle.
The Chairboys lost 1-0 to the table-toppers with Dan Scarr, who was once of Wycombe, scoring the game’s only goal on December 29.
Team news is in!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 29, 2022
Eight changes for the #Chairboys.#PLYvWYC pic.twitter.com/Vdjg4AWzek
Going into the contest, Wanderers made eight changes to the team that defeated Bristol Rovers just three days before, as Ali Al-Hamadi, Sullay Kaikai, and Curtis Thompson were all given their first league starts of the season.
READ MORE: 'He is on the mend' - Gareth Ainsworth provides fresh update on Tjay De Barr
Daryl Horgan, Chris Forino, and Joe Jacobson were also given starts after lengthy spells away from the team due to injury, suspensions, and form, whilst Nick Freeman and Brandon Hanlan also came back into the starting 11.
You know what I’m game! Think this is going to separate the men for the boys and either go very right or very wrong. Going to be an interesting evening
— MNT (@MNT73668046) December 29, 2022
The move nearly worked as despite falling a goal behind in the first-half, Wanderers came close to equalising on numerous occasions in the latter stages of the game, but Plymouth took the spoils in both the club’s final match of 2022.
Speaking on the team selection, Dobson said: “We decided to change things up a little bit.
READ MORE: Wycombe's Tjay De Barr discharged from hospital after collapsing in Plymouth loss
“Previous Christmases have been quite difficult for us and we thought we would go for something different today [December 29].
Big calls! That’s what the gaffer is paid for tho. They’re not machines so need rest but 8 is a massive call especially it’s no game next Saturday maybe 4 tonight then 4 Sunday but perhaps he’s worried about those carrying knocks or reviving about the journey too. #COYB!!
— Adam Cooper (@apcwwfc) December 29, 2022
“We brought some fresh legs in as we have got some boys who haven’t played a lot [this season] and we want them to contribute.
“But I am sure there will be changes against Peterborough on New Year's Day.”
On Plymouth’s performance, Dobson concluded: “The Plymouth players gave their maximum ability, and they did a very good job.
Pleased to see @Chrisforino2 back in the team, hope he has fully recovered. Also nice to see Horgan & Kaikai getting a chance
— Ross Miller 🏴 🇪🇺 🇬🇧 (@Nimrod042) December 29, 2022
READ MORE: 'Tjay is a fighter' - Update provided as Wycombe's De Barr collapses at Plymouth
“The coaching staff deserves credit as they have created a really good side, and at times, it was tough for us but we finished the game really well and we had plenty of chances at the end.
“We were very close to getting a draw and I thought it was a good advert for League One football.”
READ MORE: Concerning scenes as Wycombe striker collapses after Plymouth defeat
Plymouth have won 10 of their 11 league games at Home Park this season, losing just once.
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