Southend v Wycombe
Saturday 23 May – Kickoff: 1730hrs
Football – England – League Two
Southend and Wycombe were only separated by goal difference after 46 games during the regular season, finishing fifth and fourth respectively, so it is only fitting that the two contest the play-off final. Southend, under manager Phil Brown, were always expected to compete for promotion this season but it is far more of a surprise to have seen Wycombe sitting in the automatic promotion spots for so long – only to lose out in the final couple of games. All that goes out the window now, however, as the only thing that matters is the final on Saturday at Wembley. No matter who succeeds, one club will return them to the third tier of football for the first time in five seasons, as both Wycombe and Southend suffered relegation at the end of 2009/10 campaign.
This, of course, is the second consecutive season where Southend have reached the play-off stage. Brown led his team to the post-season last year but never got by the first stage when going down to Burton Albion. They have already bettered those efforts but would all mean nothing if they are not successful on Saturday. To miss out on promotion through the play-offs last season – only to be narrowly denied automatic promotion this term – another near miss would be excruciating for the club. All connected with Southend will be hoping that is not the case, however.
Despite showing incredible consistency over the course of the season, there were still doubts about how Wycombe would react to the disappointment of missing out on finishing top three, and cope with the demands of the play-offs. Both those fears appear to have been unfounded going by their performances in the semi-final tie against Plymouth. The Chairboys were dominant for the most part and won with a bit to spare, in my opinion. They may have suffered a fright towards the end of the first leg when conceding two late goals but the quickly regained control of the tie at the beginning of the second leg showing great character at the same time.
The play-offs often throw up some surprises such is the nature of them. This time, however, the two teams that have shown the most quality and consistency have qualified for the showpiece final. Southend had the third best defensive record in League Two whilst only champions Burton scored more goals in the division than Wycombe. That brings with it somewhat of a contrast of styles but both teams are well-balanced, as you have to be to reach this stage.
Southend v Wycombe Betting Tips
I think this game has the makings of a real classic if the semi-finals are anything to go by. Southend showed incredible resolve throughout their battles with Stevenage, eventually prevailing in extra-time. Gareth Ainsworth and his players never had to go through the same drama but they did share eight goals in their matches against Plymouth. The two also have a history which suggests there will be goals in this game. In their last 14 meetings, 12 of the games between Southend and Wycombe have seen both teams to score whilst they have featured 43 goals in total. The last few League Two finals have been tight affairs but whilst I think this will be a very evenly matched final, I do think both teams will get on the scoresheet at least once.
Both teams to score 39/40 @ Betvictor
