The Shots continue their pre-season programme by welcoming Wycombe Wanderers to the EBB Stadium on Saturday.
Chairboys boss Gareth Ainsworth is expected to bring a full-strength squad to face his former manager Gary Waddock, including striker Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Wanderers finished 9th in League Two last season, and remained in contention for a Play-Off place on the final day, eventually missing out by just one point. The obvious aim for 2017-18, therefore, is to at least force their way into the top seven.
Like The Shots, Wycombe have retained the majority of their squad over the summer, with only Garry Thompson and Sam Wood departing Adams Park. Experienced striker Nathan Tyson has returned to the Club on trial and may again feature at the EBB Stadium.
“I’m feeling very positive,” said Ainsworth back in May. “We finished the season brilliantly, and I’m looking over the last three years, not just the last 46 games, to see that where we are is fantastic. We’ve got 19 players in contract for next season and that’s great for a manager to have, with the philosophy laid down and I’m happy with the players. Yes, we need a couple more but I’m really pleased and positive.
“We’ve improved year on year and that has been important and if we improve again next year we won’t be far away at all.”
Wanderers’ squad should also include veteran midfielder Matt Bloomfield – starting his 15th season at the Club – plus former Egypt international Adam El-Abd, ex-Brentford midfielder Sam Saunders and former Plymouth and Woking winger Paris Cowan-Hall.
Gary Waddock is again expected to include a number of trialists in his squad this weekend, although Foday Nabay has returned to Fulham and left-back Frazer Shaw has been released.
Admission is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, with children under 6 admitted free.
All supporters will be located in the North Stand, with the John McGinty Lounge and East Bank Bar open before the game and at half-time for drinks including real ales. The catering unit behind the North Stand will be selling hot food, whilst the EBB Lounge is open to all supporters after the game.
