Swansea v Wycombe - Match Preview

It's back on the road to Wembley on Tuesday night as the Swans entertain Wycombe in the 2nd round of the Paint Pot Trophy.

After an entertaining 3-2 win over Millwall in Round 1, Wycombe arrive at the Liberty sat in 8th place in League Two but on the back of a 3-1 win over Notts County last weekend.

Wycombe were winners at the Liberty just over 12 months ago when a Jermaine Easter side inspired the visitors to a 3-2 win in the Carling Cup. It is also the fourth time the two sides have been drawn against each other in the various guises of this competition with a draw, a Swans win and two Wycombe games in the four matches those ties have seen played. Of course from a Swansea perspective the most memorable was the semi final back in 1994 which saw us triumph over two legs to send us to Wembley for the very first time.

The competition is much maligned at these stages with fixtures coming at a time when most clubs would be happy not to see them but there is no doubting - having been to two finals watching the Swans - that when it gets to the final stages then it is a day that many will never forget and one that everyone wants to be part of.

But that is then, this is now and the Swans are likely to rotate their squad for the game although the competition rules state that at least six must be first team regulars. That means there will be a likely chance for the likes of Joe Allen, Bussy, KOL and Kevin Austin whilst David Knight may even be able to feature in goal for his first Swans start. It really is an impossible job to second guess a managers selection on this one and certainly don't discount an early substitution again a la Millwall as Roberto gives more players the run out he wants.

Certainly not featuring though will be the injured trio of Alan Tate, Leon Britton and Darryl Duffy whilst OTJ and Darren Way are not supposedly under consideration - they will continue their comebacks for the reserves at Plymouth on Wednesday. Andy Robinson is also unlikely to feature as he continues his own injury comeback.

Wycombe manager Paul Lambert is again expected to leave out unsettled striker Jermaine Easter.

On-loan keeper Frank Fielding will continue as Scott Shearer (ankle) and Jamie Young (hamstring) are still out.

Wycombe are expected to set a new Liberty record for the game with the lowest away attendance and with just two stands open for the game it needs to be entertaining for their to be any real atmosphere of note.

Fans are reminded that the game has an earlier kick off of 7pm - a competition incentive to try and get more youngsters to these games - an incentive backed by Swansea City with free entry for Under 16s (one per paying adult)

It's not the most glamorous of ties but the Swans can take a step towards the new Wembley stadium with a victory so let's hope that happens.

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