Fleetwood Town head coach Joey Barton knows Tuesday night’s match against Wycombe Wanderers will be another physical test.
Barton saw his team come away 2-1 winners at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon after goals from Ched Evans and Paddy Madden secured a vital victory on the road.
After a physical battle in South West London, Town’s boss is hoping that it has given his players taste of what's to come at Adams Park on Tuesday night.
“Gareth’s [Ainsworth] side always give us a good game and matches against them have usually been competitive,” said Barton.
“After their win at the weekend, we know they’ll be up for it on Tuesday. We know what they are going to give to us, and that is a thorough examination, however our lads should be full of confidence after the win against Wimbledon
“We defended set-plays well on Saturday, and I am sure that will be the same on Tuesday. I am hoping Saturday will have been good practice for what Gareth and Wycombe will bring.”
Wycombe forward Adebayo Akinfenwa will be in contention to start against the Cod Army after scoring one of the three goals against Bristol Rovers in their 3-1 win at the weekend.
Barton knows his defenders will have to be on top form to stop their dangerman if they are going to have any chance of taking the three points back up to the Fylde Coast.
He added: “Akinfenwa started on Saturday and scored one of their goals, so it will be interested to see if he starts on Tuesday night. He doesn’t tend to start two games back-to-back, but against us he might do.
“We’ve faced him before and know that he is a handful. He is a player you would like to have in your side to have on the bench to stick on for the last 30 minutes as he causes absolute chaos.
“He’s a player who seems to get away with things from the referees, but he is a really nice guy and a big gentle giant, but on the pitch he’s very effective as a player. If we are going to be success on Tuesday, we will have to take care of the big man.”
The Chairboys’ manager, Gareth Ainsworth sees his side second in Sky Bet League One, and Barton isn’t surprised to see where they are sat in the table.
“I suppose it is a surprise to see Wycombe where they are in the table after last season, but at the same time I am not surprised as I know Gareth has created this culture down there.
“It would be a great story if Gareth can get Wycombe into the Championship. He should get Manager of the Year if he pulls it off, and it really couldn’t happen to a nicer fella.
“We want to beat them on Tuesday don’t get me wrong, but we also want to see good people do well.”