Expect Wycombe to line up in their usual 4-3-3, with a double pivot shielding the back four and wide forwards who love to cut inside and shoot. They will press high from the first whistle, looking to force Stevenage into mistakes in their own third. The midfield trio is the engine room — they are second-ball merchants, winning the loose balls and recycling possession quickly. Stevenage, under their current manager, have favoured a 3-5-2 or a 5-3-2 when away, packing the midfield and looking to hit on the counter through the wide centre-backs. That shape can frustrate, but it leaves gaps in the half-spaces, and that is exactly where Wycombe’s runners will exploit.

The key battle will be in the middle of the park. Wycombe’s pressing trap is designed to force turnovers high up the pitch, and Stevenage’s midfield, while hard-working, lack the technical quality to play through it. If Wycombe can win the second balls and keep the tempo high, Stevenage will be pinned back and forced to defend for long spells. Set-pieces are another weapon for the hosts — they have a real threat from corners and free-kicks, with big centre-backs who attack the ball with intent. Stevenage will try to slow the game down, waste time, and nick something from a dead ball, but Wycombe’s physicality should cancel that out.