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THREE Wycombe players for Sunderland to be wary of today - including the man behind #BEASTMODE

Wycombe might be out of form at present but they’ve enjoyed a successful season so far - here are just THREE players Sunderland need to be wary of, including the man behind #BEASTMODE...

Sunderland v Wycombe Wanderers - Sky Bet League One Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images

Adebayo Akinfenwa

League One Games/Goals: 27/5

The Chairboys have been feeling the loss of their former loanee Fred Onyedinma’s goal-scoring prowess, meaning there’s no doubt that the man simply known as ‘The Beast’ is currently Wycombe’s biggest threat.

Built like an absolute tank, the rather slim and gangly centre-half pairing of Tom Flanagan and Jimmy Dunne could really be up against it if the 36-year-old is in the mood to knock them about and cause chaos in the Wearside defence.

Experienced and unorthodox, he hasn’t been as prolific in League One as he has been in recent seasons, but his seven assists perhaps shows what Akinfenwa brings to Gareth Ainsworth’s team - something to hit up top, an absolute unit that can win the battles and distribute the ball accordingly.

He may be closer to 40 than he is 30, but Jimmy Dunne and Tom Flanagan will have to box clever when it comes to Akinfenwa, as they may well lose the physical battle.


Joe Jacobson

League One Games/Goals: 32/6

The left-back is having another cracking season and, despite being listed as a defender, is Wanderers top scorer - though he is the designated penalty taker at Adams Park.

Born in Cardiff, Jacobson was a free transfer back in 2014 when he signed a two year deal following his release from Shrewsbury Town and has featured in the Wycombe line-up pretty much ever since, renewing his contract by a further two years only this summer. He’s well loved at Adams Park for his knack of bagging important goals and his overall importance to Ainsworth’s team.

Very much in the ‘modern full-back’ camp, Jacobson’s goal-scoring exploits are impressive as he aided his team’s successful promotion push with six goals last season. He’s got an eye for the spectacular too, scoring multiple goal of the season contender’s during his time in the South.

With former team-mate Luke O’Nien likely to be tasked with handling Wycombe’s left-hand side, we’ll hope his recent outstanding performances continue and Jacobson is kept quiet.


Jason McCarthy

League One Games/Goals: 33/0

A former loanee, the Southampton youth product was Wycombe’s player of the year in 2016 and rejoined this summer on a permanent deal following an unsuccessful season at Barnsley, which ended in relegation from the Championship.

Able to play anywhere across the back four, McCarthy is by far the most comfortable at right back where he is able to bomb on and support attacks - much like his counterpart Joe Jacobson on the opposite flank. He is fast and strong and will no doubt ask questions of Reece James or Adam Matthews.

Still only 23-years-old, the defender has plenty time on his side to get even better and was seen as a coup when the club prized him away from relegated Barnsley in pre-season. His performances in the current campaign certainly prove why he was seen as such a good purchase, as he develops into one of the best full-backs in the division.

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