Preview: AFC Wimbledon vs. MK Dons - prediction, team news, lineups

The home side are four points adrift of the playoff places coming into this game, while the visitors are three points outside of the automatic promotion positions.

Match preview

AFC Wimbledon will be looking to turn their rather poor run of results on its head against MK Dons with the Wombles currently on a four-game streak without a victory.

This disappointing series of performances has resulted in Wimbledon falling from seventh on matchday 25 to 13th coming into matchday 36.

However, the top of the table is extremely tight with just five points separating 16th and seventh, leaving every game between now and the end of the season as hugely important in the push for playoff spots.

A victory for Wimbledon in this one would not only put them back on track but also provide a huge boost for everyone involved with the club due to the historical nature of the fixture.

As for MK Dons, a surge in the middle of the season saw them rise from 18th in the table into the playoff places, where they have remained ever since.

Recent results have been positive for the Dons as they have won six of their last 10, leaving them in much superior form than their opponents coming into the game.

A win against Wimbledon could see MK Dons make their way into the automatic promotion places, depending on results elsewhere, as they aim to earn promotion back to League One at the first attempt.

Dan Kemp returned to MK Dons in the January window after being on loan with League Two opposition Swindon Town for the first half of the season. Kemp is enjoying a fruitful season in front of goal with the striker netting 17 in 35 games so far this campaign, and the Dons will be looking to him to make the difference for them in this one.

Wimbledon, in contrast, lost their star striker during the winter window as Ali Al-Hamadi transferred to Championship high-fliers Ipswich Town. They will be hoping they can find the answer to their lack of goals in this game, having only managed six goals in the nine league games since Al-Hamadi's departure.

AFC Wimbledon League Two form:

D

W

L

D

L

L

MK Dons League Two form:

L

W

L

W

D

W

Team News

Kofi Balmer remains out for AFC Wimbledon after suffering a suspected hamstring injury in the Wombles' game against Crawley Town a fortnight ago.

Wimbledon got through their last game against Doncaster Rovers without suffering any further injuries, so manager Johnnie Jackson could name an unchanged side.

Michael Kelly looks set to continue in goal for MK Dons with loanee signing Filip Marschall missing for at least another week.

Elsewhere, Charlie Waller and Ronnie Sandford are ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Max Dean and Jack Tucker remain doubts but manager Mike Williamson has said they are "getting closer to that return".

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Bass; Ogundere, Pearce, Brown, Currie; Tilley, Reeves, Little, Curtis; Kelly, Bugiel

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

Kelly; Norman, O'Hara, Harvie; Lofthouse, Payne, Bate, Tomlinson; Kemp, Gilbey; Wearne

We say: AFC Wimbledon 0-2 MK Dons

AFC Wimbledon have struggled for goals since they sold Al-Hamadi to Ipswich Town, while they have also not won against MK Dons in the league since 2017.

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