THE BIG MATCH PREVIEW AFCW

By Jon Harries

Tuesday night was a very frustrating performance at Stadium MK, where out of form Charlton took an 18th minute lead through Matt Millar. A very poor goal to concede, afforded too much space in the box after a cross by Connor Washington. After that if truth be told there was nothing in the game to suggest a reaction. Ben Amos had next to nothing to do behind an organised and resilient defence.

Harry Darling had a very impressive debut for the Dons in defence and Matt O’Riley showed glimpses of his ability for an hour. Two losses in three sounds worrying but on the whole since our defeat to Plymouth in December our form has been very good, so I don’t believe there’s anything to worry about. In the last six games our form is 11th best in the league so there has been improvements and with a week to go before Transfer Deadline Day our recruitment is building for the future.

Going into Saturday, AFC Wimbledon are in really patchy form with no league win in eight games They have faced Crewe twice in that time along with Sunderland twice, Lincoln, Portsmouth, and Oxford, but with games like Saturday though, form goes out of the window. Tuesday night they faced a trip to an impressive Doncaster side who are quietly in the play-off picture with games in hand. The 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Fejiri Okenabirhie and Taylor Richards in the first half of the game. A dominant Doncaster display and it might be worth keeping your eye on their progress.

AFC Wimbledon are again using a loan keeper this time Sam Walker from Reading. Defender Will Nightingale is a decent CB and Nesta Guinness-Walker although a winger by trade is a pacey full back that can play either side of the defence. George Dobson failed to shine at Sunderland and will hope to get back to his best form alongside experienced EFL midfielder Alex Woodyard. Up top Ryan Longman plays a free role behind either the man in focus or Ollie Palmer.

That man in focus is Joe Piggot. He has been the standout player for the opposition all season with 11 goals already just halfway through the season. He is their go to man for goals and has contributed just under half of the teams goals this season. I’m sure the manager will be looking for more from the rest of his striking force in the second half of the season especially with another relegation dogfight potentially on their hands.

Predicted Line-up

Fisher

Poole – O’Hora – Darling – Lewington – Harvie

O’Riley – Fraser – Thompson

Jerome – Mason

I’m expecting a reaction to Tuesday night. Laird needs to either learn quickly to be more aware of his positioning especially if Guinness Walker and Longman are picked, therefore I feel Poole is the man for the job. I also believe that we need more control in the midfield as when someone like Kasumu /Thompson /Houghton or Surman is there, Fraser seems to thrive.

I predict a 3-0 win for MK Dons. Cameron Jerome and Fraser with the goals. We always have a great game after an average performance and losing is not an option in this game.

COYD’s