History will be made when Wycombe take on Morecambe at Adams Park this weekend, as it’ll be the first time that this fixture will be played outside of League Two.
For the previous 18 meetings between the Shrimps and the Chairboys, both sides have battled it out in the fourth tier since their first meeting in the 2007/08 season.
In that time, Gareth Ainsworth’s side have won nine of those matches, with Morecambe being victorious four times, with there being five draws.
The fact that this fixture is taking place in League One shows how much the two teams have progressed over the last few seasons, and to get ourselves ready for this weekend’s fixture, I spoke to Dave Salmon from Shrimps Live, to hear how things are going for the visitors.
What have you thought of Morecambe’s start to the season so far?
DS: “Fourteen points from our opening 10 games is probably beyond anyone’s expectations.
“There’s no doubt we’ve surprised both ourselves and every single pundit, all of whom tipped us for the drop before the season started.
450 mile round trip for the game on Saturday. This is the current state of my fuel tank. #ShrimpsLive pic.twitter.com/33mMRWfhDZ
— Dave Salmon (@dpsalmon) September 30, 2021
“Still early days of course, but we’ve competed in every single game so far, and our defeats so far have all been by just a single goal.
What is the aim for the season ahead?
DS: “It’s fair to say that all fans would have taken 20th before a ball was kicked, but given our start, that’s certainly now been reassessed.
“Survival of course has to be remain our aim, but our first 10 games suggest we’ll be more than ok this season and at least a mid-table finish isn’t beyond us.
Wycombe have got a decent record against Morecambe, winning nine of the 18 matches they have played each other. Can you see this continuing on Saturday?
DS: “No, not really.
“It’s different times for both clubs.
“There’s been a sea-change in how the club operates from top to bottom in recent times, on and off the pitch.
“We’re no longer ‘little old Morecambe’.
“I don’t think past history between the sides plays a part here, and this should be a close, competitive encounter.”
Who are the players Wycombe need to be on the lookout for?
DS: “Cole Stockton is a big, powerful centre forward, and currently Europe’s top goalscorer, finding the net 11 times so far with some world-class strikes. He’s in the form of his life.
“Arthur Gnahoua on the wing already has four assists and a couple of goals, while in midfield Adam Phillips, on loan from Burnley, pulls the strings for us and is our dead ball specialist.
Who has impressed you the most in the Morecambe squad?
DS: “As well as the above (especially Cole of course!), I’ve been most impressed with our French midfielder Toumani Diagouraga.
“He’s a real ‘Rolls Royce’ type of player who just glides around the pitch, box to box, making us tick.
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— Dave Salmon (@dpsalmon) September 29, 2021
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This will be the first meeting between the two sides outside of League Two. What type of match are you expecting this weekend?
DS: “It should be a good game.
“We play 4-3-3, with two out and out wide players, although manager Stephen Robinson won’t be afraid to match up Wycombe’s back three if the game necessitates.
“We play with a high press and try and attack with pace and power, which is why we’re League One’s top scorers from open play.
“We have conceded a lot from set pieces this season so we’ll need to make sure we’re tight in that area.
What is your prediction for the match?
DS: “We’re unbeaten in three and are full of confidence.
“I think we’ll get the points with a narrow victory.”
My prediction: Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Morecambe
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