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

Bradford start the weekend in fifth, whereas Wimbledon, who have struggled at times during their return to League Two, begin proceedings in 17th.

Match preview

Having been announced as manager of Bradford last season, there were question marks around Mark Hughes' decision to drop down into League Two.

While a 14th-placed finish at the end of season one left a little to be desired, Bradford have bounced back this season, starting the campaign in strong form.

A tally of 17 points after nine matches might be some way off unbeaten leaders Leyton Orient, but the Bantams are sitting inside the playoff spaces, having lost just two matches all season.

By contrast, things have not been as simple for Wimbledon, who after being relegated from League One last season find themselves inside the bottom half.

Current form has not suggested a change in fortunes either, with the Dons having lost their last four matches in the league.

In fact, only two teams in League Two have lost more games this season than Wimbledon, as the Dons come to terms with their first-ever relegation in the club's history.

Of course, in their previous form, Wimbledon were regular opponents against the 119-year-old Bradford, but since they were reformed, meetings have been few and far between.

The pair last met as League One clubs in 2019, where they played out a less-than entertaining goalless draw at Valley Parade.

Victories have been evenly split in the past, with both Wimbledon and Bradford having both won five previous meetings.

Bradford City League Two form:

L

W

D

W

W

W

Bradford City form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

W

W

AFC Wimbledon League Two form:

L

W

L

L

L

L

AFC Wimbledon form (all competitions):

L

W

L

L

L

W

Team News

A red card to Bradley Halliday in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Stevenage means that the right-back will be absent for the visit of Wimbledon.

Prolific striker Andy Cook netted twice for Bradford last time out, with the 31-year-old taking his tally to eight goals from nine League Two matches.

Harry Lewis will start in goal for Bradford, with Matthew Platt and Timi Odusina likely to keep their place in defence.

Wimbledon also netted three last time out, with loanee Kyle Hudlin netting his first goal since arriving from Huddersfield Town.

A back three of Isaac Ogundere, Will Nightingale and Ryley Towler are likely to start for the Dons, as they search for a first win in five matches.

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Songo'o, Platt, Odusina, Foulds; Smallwood, Gilliead; Banks, Chapman, Wright; Cook

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Tzanev; Towler, Pearce, Brown; Gunter, Marsh, Maghoma, Currie; Assal, Hudlin, Davison

We say: Bradford City 2-0 AFC Wimbledon

Bradford's promotion hopes will likely rest on how the Bantams perform against sides below them in the table, with Wimbledon an example of just that.

In-form, expect Bradford to continue their strong start this weekend, picking up a comfortable victory.

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