Having been named as the new manager of Northampton Town on Monday, swapping a play-off chase with Oxford United for a desperate battle to remain in the Football League, Wilder's first game was set to be against a Rochdale side who are firmly in the hunt for a promotion place themselves.
With Alan Knill appointed as his number two and well-versed in survival scraps, Wilder told BBC Radio Northampton: "I want Northampton's players to look forward to the challenge."
And with new signings expected before the weekend, it was set to provide a chance for those already at the club to impress Wilder on Tuesday night, the new manager telling the official club website: "All my teams have been organised and competitive and first and foremost we need to be competitive."
Update - Wilder will have more time to work with his squad and make new signings as a 12:30 pitch inspection by local referee Andy Woolmer has led to the game being postponed.