As a pulsating League One season crescendos towards its climax, both Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanderers are in position to end the season on a high and secure promotion to the Championship.
Orient come into this game clinging onto sixth place by a thread, as they are above Reading in the playoff spots on goal difference.
The O’s are in fine form having won their previous four matches, including a 2-1 victory against Cambridge United last time out, and they will be confident of extending their run.
However, Wycombe will not be an easy opponent. The Chairboys have been jostling with Wrexham for places in the automatic promotion race all season, but they slipped to third in the table following a catastrophic 4-0 defeat at home to Charlton Athletic.
Defeat on Saturday could consign Mike Dodds’ outfit to a playoff campaign, which may cause a rematch between these two sides should they both extend their season.
Brisbane Road will be sold out for this highly anticipated affair, and a brilliant atmosphere is expected as both teams try to take a huge leap towards achieving their dreams. Wycombe won the reverse fixture 3-0 back in October, but this game will almost certainly be closer as Orient have surged up the table since that match.
Team news
Leyton Orient
Orient have hit form at the crucial time in the season, so manager Richie Wellens will be reluctant to change his side from the team that secured victory against Cambridge on Easter Monday.
However, they were 1-0 down at half time after an uninspiring first half display that saw them generate only 0.29 xG, we may see some alterations in attack. Daniel Agyei replaced Dilan Markanday at half time in that match, and as Agyei then assisted the equaliser, he may be in line to start this time out.
Orient do not appear to have an extensive injury list, although Theo Archibald will remain absent for this encounter because of a knee injury.
Wycombe Wanderers
The only positive from Wycombe’s defeat to Charlton was that it brought no new injury concerns, although there may be some rotation in their side due to fatigue.
Richard Kone and Gareth McCleary have been instrumental players throughout this season, but both looked tired during their last encounter, and they may be reduced to an impact role here.
Xavier Simons returned to the team against Charlton, and he may be restored into the lineup alongside Fred Onyedinma and Daniel Udoh. However, Kieron Sadlier, Daniel Harvie and Beryly Lubala are all still absent having suffered long term injuries, whilst Danish midfielder Magnus Westergaard will face a race to be fit for this match.
Likely lineups
Leyton Orient
Keeley; Galbraith, Beckles, Edmonds-Green, Currie; Brown, Clare; Williams, Donley, Agyei; Kelman
Wycombe
Norris; Grimmer, Taylor, Bradley, Leahy; McCleary, Scowen, Simons, Humphreys, Udoh; Kone
Key players
Leyton Orient: Charlie Kelman
Charlie Kelman has had a breakout year for Orient, as the 23-year-old forward has scored 21 goals and provided four assists in League One this season.
The QPR loanee currently tops the goal scoring charts in League One, and with six goals in his last four matches, he looks set to be the dangerman for Wycombe's defenders to be wary of.
Wycombe Wanderers: Richard Kone
In his first full season in professional football, Richard Kone has been instrumental in Wycombe’s charge up the League One table.
The Ivorian has scored 18 league goals, whilst also collecting three assists, as the forward has been a talismanic figure for Wycombe.
However, against Charlton Kone lost 16 duels, the most out of any player, and he looked tired throughout the game. He hasn’t scored in his last seven matches, and Wycombe’s chances of winning this game may be dependent on him finding a way to break that rut.
Match details
Where is the game being played?
Brisbane Road stadium.
What time is Kick-Off?
12:30 GMT on Saturday 26th April.
How can I watch?
The game is being broadcast live on Sky Sports +.
