This Week's Opposition: Wycombe Wanderers

Pompey’s last away game of the season ended in a stalemate at Pride Park as the Blues left Derby County with The Rams still in with a chance of promotion. Now there’s just 1 match left for John Mousinho’s side, who take on Wycombe Wanderers at Fratton Park.

Taking the lead last Saturday with a header from Colby Bishop the Blues kept on top for 37 minutes before James Collins came back to equalize the sides.

Let's hope Pompey can end this season on a high and secure a win on home turf. Here's a closer look into their final opponent of the 2022/23 season:

MANAGER

Former Wycombe Wanderers and Ipswich Town academy midfielder Matt Bloomfield is at the helm.

He went up through Ipswich’s academy and graduated without making a first team league appearance, joining Wycombe on a free transfer and making his senior debut in 2003.

Bloomfield spent 19 years playing for The Chairboys, featuring in League Two, League One and the Championship and was in the team that reached the semi-final of the 2006-07 Football League Cup.

At the start of the 2021/22 season, which transpired to be his final one with the club as a player, he was given the added responsibility of First Team Coach.

In September 2022, Bloomfield was appointed head coach of League Two side Colchester United. He was awarded EFL League Two Manager of the Month award after securing thirteen points from six matches in January 2023.

Following the departure of long-term manager Gareth Ainsworth to Queens Park Rangers, Bloomfield agreed in principle to return to Wycombe Wanderers as manager in February this year.

ONE TO WATCH

33-year-old forward Sam Vokes is one to keep tabs on this weekend.

The former Burnley and Stoke City striker has found the back of the net 23 times in 75 appearances for The Chairboys since signing in July 2021.

This season, Vokes has contributed to 6 goals and 3 assists across 34 league appearances whilst wearing the number 9 shirt.

TOP SCORER

Midfielder Lewis Wing is the top goalscorer for The Chairboys this campaign.

Wing started playing Sunday league football before being scouted for Northern League side Brandon United, who he made his senior debut for at the age of 16.

He went on to play for his hometown club, Newton Aycliffe until he eventually joined Northern League Division Two outfit Tow Law Town. 

Wing then signed for Seaham Red Star and Shildon, where his performances led to being scouted by Championship side Middlesbrough - He would stay with Boro for 5 years with short loan spells at Yeovil Town, Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday.

In January 2022, Wing joined League One side Wycombe Wanderers. He has scored 8 League goals this campaign.

CURRENT FORM

The Chairboys currently sit in 9th in League One, 1 position and 1 point behind the Blues. 

In their last 10 games, Matt Bloomfield’s side have secured 2 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats. 

Wycombe were promoted to League One a week before their final game in the 2017/18 season. After two seasons they were promoted to the Championship before being relegated back to League One in 2020/21 season - They are now prepared to spend another season in the third tier after also missing out on a Play-Off position.

The side's recent downfall meant this was mathematically impossible 3 games before the end of the season.

Who will finish highest in the League table as both Pompey and Wycombe battle it out for 8th place?

Can the Blues end the season on a high and finish with a win?

Tune in for all of the unmissable action when Pompey Live returns with an extended build-up show, LIVE from Fratton Park this Sunday (7th of May) from 10am - Kick-off: 12pm!