Wycombe Wanderers vs York City Prediction

The much anticipated 2024/25 FA Cup competition kicks off at the weekend. Round one gets under way when Notts County take on Alfreton Town at 7:45 on Saturday, and no less than 32 first round ties get underway the following day.

One of them sees second placed League One side Wycombe Wanderers take on National League table toppers York City. These are two sides who have had stellar starts to the season, and will want nothing more than to continue that by setting out on a deep FA Cup run.

Being two divisions below their opponents, York City have nothing to lose and will have underdog status. However, we have witnessed countless upsets in games where the underdog was completely written off before kick-off, and games such as this gave rise to the saying “the magic of the cup”. York will be hoping to tap into some of that wizardry if they are to come through Sunday’s game.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Wycombe haven’t lost in their last six games, but York have gone undefeated in twelve, a run stretching back to late August.
• York have scored 13 goals in their last five games, while Wycombe have converted 12.
• Wycombe are undefeated in their last four meetings with York City.
• Both sides were knocked out of the competition in round two last campaign.

Wycombe Wanderers Preview

Wycombe Wanderers Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Nathan Bishop (GK); Alex Hartridge, Ryan Taffazolli, Joseph Low; Daniel Harvie, Matt Butcher, William Hondermarck, Luke Leahy, Jasper Pattenden; Beryly Lubala, Richard Kone.

Placed just three points behind League One leaders Birmingham City, Wycombe’s start to the season has gone slightly under the radar, in part thanks to the unexpectedly good start that newcomers Wrexham have had with them.

While all the plaudits go to the Welsh team, Wycombe have quietly gone about their business, and they have done so very effectively, as they are League One’s top scorers with 26.

Striker Richard Kone has been in excellent form, bagging six goals and with it the second highest goal per 90 minutes stat, standing at 0.81. He will likely start to provide that killer instinct up top in an attempt to guarantee Wycombe safe passage through to round two.

York City Preview

York City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Harrison Male (GK); Cameron John, Malachi Walcott, Callum Howe, Joe Felix; Daniel Batty, Alex Hunt; Dipo Akinyemi, Marvin Armstrong, Callum Harriott; Ollie Pearce.

Similarly to Wycombe, York City will be very pleased with their progress up to now. Tasting defeat just once in all competitions, York have won nine of their last twelve games in all competitions, and are looking like a well-drilled, well assembled side.

While their attack is getting plenty of plaudits, and has seen them score the third most goals of any side in the National League, it is their defense that is winning them games.

Conceding just 9 goals in the National League, 4 fewer than any other team, York go into games knowing they can almost guarantee that they will be able to at the very least match their opponents goal tally.

This attitude breeds confidence throughout the front and back lines, and if York City approach this game in the same way, there may be an opportunity to pull off the first shock of this year's FA Cup.

Wycombe Wanderers vs York City Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 09/04/2016: York City 1-1 Wycombe.
• 08/08/2015: Wycombe 3-0 York City.
• 10/01/2015: Wycombe 1-0 York City.
• 30/08/2014: York City 0-0 Wycombe.
• 15/03/2014: York City 2-0 Wycombe.

Historical Head to Head - Wycombe: 4. Drawn: 2. York: 1.

Wycombe Wanderers vs York City Betting Tip

Bearing all this in mind, I would tentatively say that Wycombe have the upperhand in the build-up. Taking into account their superior league position in a superior league, they shouldn’t have too many problems here.

York will certainly put up a fight, and show why they are in the race for promotion themselves, but they will be overwhelmed here, which is why we are backing Wycombe Wanderers to win.

Wycombe Wanderers vs York City Final Prediction

Wycombe Wanderers 3-1 York City

While York’s defense has been as solid as a rock this season, it has yet to face opposition of this quality, and though they will give it their best effort, they won’t be able to keep out the likes of Richard Kone indefinitely.

It will likely be a tentative first half, but York will crack in the second period. They will likely threaten up the other end, but sustained periods of pressure in and around their box will catch them out eventually.