By Ben Campbell
Wanderers fans will be hoping that Peter Taylor can work the same magic that Paul Lambert did in the 2006/07 season when his side take on Championship side Birmingham City in the Carling Cup 1st round this evening.
Peter Taylor was in confident mood when he spoke to Wanderers World on the eve of the Blues' fixture.
Lifelong Wycombe fan John Mousinho speaks to Wanderers World ahead of the game.
The battle of the Blues will commence at 7.45pm and the Chairboys will be hoping to follow the trend of Notts County, Luton Town and Macclesfield who all beat higher opposition in last night's set of first round fixtures.
Peter Taylor's men started their League Two campaign on Saturday with a 1-1 draw with Morecambe at Adams Park, while Kevin Phillips was the saviour for Birmingham after coming on to score a last minute winner against Sheffield United at St. Andrews.
Ahead of tonight's game Peter Taylor exclusively told
Wanderers World: "It'll be a massive test but it's one the players are looking forward to. There's nothing to lose for us, Birmingham are the favourites but we're hopeful we can cause a shock.
"We are hopeful we can win the game or take it to penalties and win that way - who knows. We'll go and give it a real go simple as that. I've told the players not to think about Birmingham just to think about eleven against eleven.
"They should be in the Premiership and were so unlucky the way the season ended for them last year. I'm sure the very rich Birmingham directors will back the manager and they are going to be very strong. Whatever team they put out it will be extremely strong."
Despite the gulf between the two clubs opposing manager Alex McLeish is under no illusions that the game will be a easy one for his side.
"They came very close to the play-offs last year, and reached the semi-finals two years ago, so it will be a tough challenge," McLeish said. "The home team will be up for it, facing a side that on paper they should lose to, but we know the cup can throw up all sorts of surprises.
"We were on the end of one last season in the FA Cup at Huddersfield Town and we certainly believe we can make sure that doesn't happen again.
"We will give 100 per cent in any game, it doesn't matter what the competition is. I even like to win pre-season friendlies and I think the players have the same attitude. It is human nature that we want to win.
"The cup competitions are something that are close to my heart. I have done well in cups in the past, both as a player and a manager, and I like to think we can do something here at Birmingham."
Team News
Wanderers: Matty Phillips and Lewis Hunt remain out of contention for tonight's game but otherwise Peter Taylor has no new fresh injury worries. David McCracken and Gary Holt both face late fitness tests ahead of the clash.
Birmingham: Alex McLeish will bring a strong squad to Adams Park for this 1st round clash, new signing Quincy Owusu-Abeyie will be in the 18 as will promising youngster Jordan Mutch. Missing for the Blues will be the trio of Damien Johnson, Stephen Kelly and ex-Bolton man Radhi Jaidi.
Officials:
Referee: Mr AP D'URSO
Assistants: Mr PW BARNES and Mr GR RUSSEL
Fourth Official: Mr P TAYLOR
Tickets:
For all the details on matchday prices, visit our ticket page
here or buy online
here.
The Quarters:
The new-look matchday programme is here and make sure you pick up your copy at tonight's game.
Included in this week's edition will be the usual array of interesting features, previously unseen photos, the thoughts of manager Peter Taylor and Lewwis Spence gives his thoughts on early life at Adams Park.
'The Quarters' is produced by a company called 'Shoot The Moon' and has been increased to 60 pages this season, whilst retaining last season's price of just £2.50.
Countdown To Kick-Off: Wanderers' pre-match entertainment was voted the fourth best in the Football League last season and it's back better than ever before this season, with a host of activities and competitions for you to get involved in.
The big screen will show extended highlights from the Morecambe game as well as giving you the opportunity to win tickets for Go Ape with it's 'Text and Win' competition.
Can't make it to Adams Park?
Ballroom Bill Turnbull will be on the gantry providing full match commentary for
Wanderers World subscribers, and he'll be joined by Ross Jeavons who will be giving his views throughout the game.
And don't forget you can keep up-to-date with all the action with Ben Campbell via the 'Clockwatch' service right here on
wwfc.com.
Enjoy the game!
