Fleetwoodvs.AFC Wimbledon

Meanwhile, Fleetwood play host to the promotion chasers starting the next batch of fixtures in 17th spot, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Match preview

Having not recorded three wins in a row since the beginning of September, AFC Wimbledon fans may not have expected their side to find themselves in second place.

However, the inconsistency of the teams around them has led to Johnnie Jackson's side moving into that spot on the back of seven points being accumulated from their last three games.

After a 1-1 draw with Swindon Town, the Dons have battled their way to narrow successes over Gillingham and Newport County.

Wimbledon have now suffered just one defeat in their last eight encounters in the fourth tier, while they remain with the joint-best defensive record in the division.

With five defeats coming from 11 away fixtures, though, Wimbledon's record on their travels requires some work, even with four wins coming from their last five.

Meanwhile, Fleetwood are in the midst of starting a new era under Pete Wild having made the decision to part ways with Charlie Adam.

One point has been collected from his opening two fixtures, a 1-1 draw at home to Harrogate Town being followed by a 2-1 reverse at promotion-chasing Doncaster Rovers.

Defeat in that contest came courtesy of a last-gasp goal, yet Wild will take the positives from how his side pushed opponents who currently sit in third position ahead of a similar task at the weekend.

Fleetwood head into this fixture having lost just two of their 12 league matches at Highbury Stadium this campaign, yet just three of those games have ended in victories.

Fleetwood Town League Two form:

L

D

L

W

D

L

AFC Wimbledon League Two form:

W

W

L

D

W

W

AFC Wimbledon form (all competitions):

L

W

L

D

W

W

Team News

Despite defeat last time out, Fleetwood boss Wild is unlikely to overly tinker with his starting lineup for this contest.

Matty Virtue could return in place of either Liam Shaw or Danny Mayor in midfield having scored as a substitute versus Doncaster.

Meanwhile, Romaine Sawyers is expected to be drafted back into the AFC Wimbledon XI having scored the decisive goal last time out.

The 33-year-old had only been dropped to manage his game time, but he should replace Sam Hutchinson or Jake Reeves.

Although he was withdrawn at half time in the win at Newport, Riley Harbottle should keep his spot in the backline.

Fleetwood Town possible starting lineup:

Lynch; Wiredu, Bolton, Bennett; Bonds; Johnston, Shaw, Virtue, Patterson; Graydon, Harratt

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Goodman; Harbottle, Johnson, Ogundere; Neufville, Sawyers, Reeves, Smith, Tilley; Stevens, Kelly

We say: Fleetwood Town 1-1 AFC Wimbledon

Although Wimbledon are the clear favourites to prevail from this contest, we cannot ignore the new manager bounce at Fleetwood. Taking that into consideration, Wild's side could do enough to earn a share of the spoils in a low-scoring contest.

Written by

Darren Plant

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