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Preview: AFC Wimbledon vs. Stockport County - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 7 September 2023, 11:16
Two teams at opposite ends of the League Two table will meet on Saturday as fifth-placed AFC Wimbledon will host Stockport County.

The visitors are currently just two points above the relegation zone after only winning one game this season, with plenty of room for improvement so far.

Match preview

AFC Wimbledon have had a strong start to the new campaign, being one of only three teams in the division to head into this weekend without losing a game so far in the league.

However, even though they have put together some impressive performances Johnnie Jackson's men have struggled at home as they are yet to win a game at the Cherry Reds Record Stadium.

Both of their home matches to date have resulted in draws, which is something that the team will want to change in order to keep pushing up the table and apply pressure on those above them.

The Dons did secure a win at home in midweek though in the Football League Trophy, although that came via penalties after the game finished 1-1 against Stevenage.

While Wimbledon have struggled at securing three points, something they have not had problems with his defending, as no team has conceded fewer goals than them this season in League Two.

That is something that Stockport County will need to try and change if they want to pick up only their second win of the season and start progressing up the table.

The Hatters are currently sitting just above the relegation zone with only two points between them and Sutton United, which is something they will want to change immediately.

However, Stockport County head into this match on the back of three games without a win in all competitions, but they have showcased their ability to make things difficult for their opponents.

Dave Challinor's men lost 3-2 to Mansfield Town and followed that up with a 3-3 draw against Crawley Town, with their attacking qualities being clear to see, even though defensively there have been frailties.

The Hatters fought until the very end last weekend and were rewarded when Isaac Olaofe scored the equaliser in the 89th minute, and that ability to push until the final whistle will be important on Saturday.

AFC Wimbledon League Two form:

D

D

W

W

D

D

AFC Wimbledon form (all competitions):

W

W

D

L

D

W

Stockport County League Two form:

L

L

D

W

L

D

Stockport County form (all competitions):

L

D

W

L

L

D

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Team News

Jack Currie was able to return from injury for AFC Wimbledon in midweek, and while he did not play the entire game he will once again be available for the Dons.

Paul Kalambayi still remains on the sidelines though, and it is likely that this game is going to come too soon for him to feature.

Jackson will also be without the services of Huseyin Biler, who is still dealing with a hamstring problem, while James Tilley will get to face his former club for the first time.

Olaofe will be hoping that his goal as a substitute last weekend was enough to earn him a place in the starting lineup this time around for the visitors.

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Bass; Ogundere, Lewis, Johnson, Currie; Neufville, Ball, Williams, Tilley; Al-Hamadi, Davison

Stockport County possible starting lineup:

Hinchiffe; Wright, Horsfall, Touray; Knoyle, Collar, Croasdale, Rydel, Powell; Barry, Madden

We say: AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Stockport County

AFC Wimbledon have been one of the strongest teams in the division so far this season, and that is something that is unlikely to change this weekend.

Their impressive defensive displays combined with the fact Stockport County have struggled for results it should be the Dons that take a comfortable win.

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