City return to the LNER Stadium for their only Sky Bet League One home fixture in November, welcoming league leaders Wycombe Wanderers (3pm KO).
See what Michael Skubala and defender Lewis Montsma had to say ahead of the fixture, as well as reading up on all the important match information in this preview.
Skubala’s thoughts:
“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the club so far. I love the players, they’re a great group of players. It’s a special place here, I love the fans and believe in everything we’re trying to do and trying to build. In some ways it’s gone really quick, in other ways it has been a lot of games, and as part of my learning we’re now getting into a tough part of the season where games are coming pretty relentlessly.
“There’s philosophies and then there’s ways of doing things to get the best out of a group. For me the principles in what you want to do don’t change, but the way in which you get the best out of a team is the challenge. Being adaptable in this league is one of the biggest things - and having the ability to keep your principles, but being willing to change and adapt in certain areas, and I think we’ve done that. We’ve still got loads of growing to do, but if you look at the set piece record, we’ve improved that massively under the leadership of Scott Fry.
“Wycombe are on a brilliant run, they’re flying. They’ll be a tough team with some superb power and strikers who are good on the top line. But like any team we’ll work on their weaknesses and see if we can exploit them, and we’ll go into the game to try and win it. There’s no doubt that they’re flying and Matt Bloomfield has done really well - and they’ve done it under the radar. We want to stop their run, put our stamp on the game and see if we can get three points.”
Montsma’s take:
“If you come from such a serious injury twice you want to do things right in your recovery. Of course it is frustrating but on the other side it’s very good to play again. I really cherish the moments I’m outside playing and training with the boys. I feel good, so that’s the main thing.
“The young players really have their heads screwed on. They’re doing well, very professional for their age - and they listen, which is great.
“Wycombe will be a big challenge for us as a team. Defensively we do very well, on the ball we can do better, but to play teams like Wycombe can only be seen as a good test for us, so I’m excited.”
A look at the opposition:
The Chairboys have had a flying start to the Sky Bet League One campaign, currently occupying top spot in the league after 14 games.
Matt Bloomfield’s side are the highest scorers in the division with 32 goals and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten league run, stretching back to mid-August, losing at the hands of Birmingham City 3-2.
The Buckinghamshire-based side have not conceded a goal in their last three games, with impressive 3-0 and 5-0 wins over Leyton Orient and Stockport County respectively.
Last time out, they secured all three points on the road at Wigan Athletic, in a 1-0 win at the Brick Community Stadium.
On the previous occasion when the two sides met, Ethan Erhahon provided late drama as his equaliser eight minutes into stoppage time earned each side a point in a 1-1 draw. This proved to be a catalyst to begin City’s 16-match unbeaten run during the second half of last season.
Form: WWWWW
Top scorer: Richard Kone (8 goals)
Match Information:
City will take to the field in their traditional red, white and black home kit. You can purchase yours here.
The officials are made of Sebastian Stockbridge as the referee, with Jacob Lehane and Abbas Khan his assistants. James Westgate will be the fourth official for Saturday’s game.
Fun Farm are the match sponsors for tomorrow afternoon's fixture.
With very limited availability in home sections, The Stacey West Stand blocks 1 and 2 have been opened for City supporters. You can purchase your tickets now, by clicking here.
