Saturday 23 May 2015 15:37, UK
As six Football League clubs prepare to walk out at Wembley for a final shot at promotion, Peter Beagrie assesses where each of this weekend’s play-offs will be won and lost.
Sky Sports’ Football League expert casts his eye over the League Two play-off, which sees Southend United take on Wycombe Wanderers under the famous arch…
Southend United
As far as I’m concerned Southend have been absolutely brilliant. Like Wycombe, they were unfortunate to lose out on automatic promotion but they have produced two outstanding performances in the play-offs to date.
Ones to watch
We said Barry Corr was going to be a pivotal figure for Phil Brown’s side and he was to some extent as he missed the first half injury-time penalty at Roots Hall. But everything just comes through him, if he doesn’t score himself he brings others into play and he’s the target for them.
Southend have had some brilliant results with 4-3-3 this year and now Phil has got to decide whether he goes with a 4-4-2, which ultimately got him to Wembley against a strong Stevenage side, or does he switch back to another formation. Where Southend probably have the edge over Wycombe is in terms of squad size and options. I fully expect if Phil goes with a 4-3-3 with Corr the central figure leading the line.
Big decisions
David Worrall would be on one side and that leaves a decision whether the game changer, Stephen McLaughlin, plays from the start. I personally would go with a 4-4-2 to utilise the open spaces at Wembley. There are big decisions to be made by Phil Brown but what you can say it that he has game changers on the bench, he really has. That could make a huge difference for Southend.
Energy levels are sapped on a big pitch and the pressure of the occasion can take a lot out of players. The psychological side affects them physically. Southend will have a little bit of an edge there and they are better defensively than Wycombe who try to go forward and outscore their opponents.
Wycombe Wanderers
It’s a brilliant achievement for Gareth Ainsworth after what happened last year, one game away from going out of the league to being on the verge of promotion shows what a good job he has produced at Adams Park.
Ones to watch
Wycombe have some brilliant match winners of their own. The match-up I picked ahead of their play-off semi-final could resurface on Saturday. Plymouth’s Reuben Reid was the danger man back then and Alfie Mawson – one of the three ex-Brentford players – marshalled him absolutely brilliantly and managed to get a goal himself. He, along with Aaron Pierre, are huge figures at the back for Wycombe and they’ll have a big challenge on their hands keeping the likes of Corr and Joe Pigott, should he play, quiet.
The second Brentford connection, who could have a bearing on the game, is Sam Saunders. He has the ability to find space, create and produce moments of absolute brilliance and he is a dead-ball specialist. We’ve seen in these very tight games a set piece could prove to be the difference.
The main danger man for Wycombe though would be Paul Hayes. He’s got 15 goals in 44 appearances for Wycombe so far this season and two goals in this season’s play-offs. He’s the man in form; he’s the man Southend have got to stop. Cian Bolger and Adam Barrett have to keep a close eye on Hayes who seems to be getting better with age. I used to work with Paul, and he’s definitely a more rounded player nowadays.
Beags’ League Two play-off verdict
It’s a very close match-up, both sides are capable of producing great performances and it’s a big pat on the back for the two managers. Neither Phil, nor Gareth, will be short of a word, or a note or two, should they win as both are recognised karaoke men! Both absolutely love their football and it has been marvellous achievement getting to Wembley.
It is an absolute privilege to go and witness the play-off finals this year. To the thousands and thousands of fans going to support their teams, regardless of the scoreline, make sure you get to and from Wembley safely.
Watch Southend United v Wycombe Wanderers in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final, Saturday, 5pm, Sky Sports 1HD
