Preview: AFC Wimbledon vs. Coventry City - prediction, team news, lineups

A day before the Sky Blues lost out at Leicester City in the Championship, AFC Wimbledon played out a draw away at Grimsby Town.

Match preview

For much of Sunday's Championship opener at Leicester, it appeared that Coventry were going to get their campaign off to the perfect start against the title favourites.

However, despite taking the lead early in the second half through Kyle McFadzean, two late goals from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earned a 2-1 victory for the Foxes.

Letting slip a lead in such circumstances will frustrate Mark Robins, who would have had the impression that his side, both new and old, had shaken off the disappointment of losing in the Championship playoff final in May.

Nevertheless, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, the defeat down to a lack of ruthlessness in the final third more so than any obvious issues in defence.

Given the mass incomings at the Midlands outfit, this game represents an opportunity for Robins to take a look at numerous new additions, as well as getting to see which areas may need strengthening before the end of August.

From the perspective of AFC Wimbledon, a home tie in this competition is a welcome boost both in terms of finances and the fact that they had a long journey over the weekend.

Wimbledon made the 400-plus mile trip to and from Grimsby, leaving Blundell Park and returning back to base with a goalless draw for their troubles.

After finishing in 21st place in the fourth tier last season, it represents a positive start for Johnnie Jackson and his side as they look to mount a playoff bid.

Since the formation as a new club, the Dons have failed to beat Coventry in six meetings, but they have held their upcoming opponents to a draw in their last two visits to South-West London.

AFC Wimbledon form (all competitions):

Coventry City form (all competitions):

Team News

Having made just two alterations during the stalemate with Grimsby, Jackson is expected to rotate many of his players from the weekend.

Nikola Tzanaev, Ethan Sutcliffe, James Ball, Harry Pell, Morgan Williams, Ali Al-Hamadi and Aron Sasu are all pushing to feature after being selected among the replacements in the previous game.

Given the three-day turnaround, Robins will almost certainly make mass changes, particularly in midfield and attack, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Haji Wright both in contention for their first starts for Coventry.

Youngster Ryan Howley could partner Liam Kelly in central midfield, while Brad Collins, Luis Binks, Milan van Ewijk and Jake Bidwell should also be provided with game time.

Midfielder Jamie Allen is still out of contention through injury, as are Callum O'Hare and Fabio Tavares.

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Tzanev; Ogundere, Lewis, Sutcliffe, Johnson; Neufville, Ball, Pell, Tilley; Al-Hamadi, Sasu

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Collins; Thomas, Latibeaudiere, Binks; Van Ewijk, Howley, Kelly, Bidwell; Sakamoto, Godden, Wright

We say: AFC Wimbledon 1-4 Coventry City

While Robins will inevitably rotate his squad for this fixture, their current strength in depth means that it should work to their advantage. Wimbledon may threaten for a time, but we feel that the Sky Blues will run out convincing winners.

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