By Jon Harries
Tuesday night sees the visit of AFC Wimbledon to Stadium MK. A match that really needs no introduction given the fierce rivalry and hatred amongst the fans, simply put, this is a game, where losing really isn’t an option.
8 Points in 4 of their last 5 games is a good return for AFC to send them edging up the table although a sweet victory for their last opponents on the 29th, a 3-0 win for Karl Robinson and Oxford saw that work undone. AFC fans giving Robbo a warm reception all game although they left with Robbo firmly in their heads rent free and nothing else to show for their day out.
Their transfer window mainly revolved around cutting the age of the squad with their main departure Joe Piggott leaving to warm the Ipswich bench. Keeper Nik Tzanev was called up for the original date for the fixture by New Zealand. Will Nightingale and Nesta Guinness Walker are one of several academy products in the AFC side. Alex Woodyard is the experienced head in midfield Luke McCormick (21), Ayoub Assal (19), and Anthony Hartigan (21) are prospects worth watching. Up front Ollie Palmer is the focal point of attack allowing runners off the ball to support him.
The Dons got a point which given the circumstances should have been three at Accrington Stanley. Colby Bishop headed them in front with an impressive header that Fisher could have done better with. The Dons then equalised through a great Mo Eisa goal all his own work after being played through by Twine twisting and turning and firing past Savin. The game changed when Coyle was sent off for a disgraceful challenge on Daniel Harvie, but MK failed to capitalise with no tempo to the play and Accrington really weren’t troubled. Another two points dropped in my opinion. There needs to be more drive and commitment and a ruthless side that Wigan and Rotherham etc possess and is an element you need if you are going to progress up the table.
Jack Rudoni is the Man in Focus with 7 goals and an assist from midfield is very impressive. Able to dictate play, make late runs into the box and can loiter outside the box snaffling any second ball. Keeping him quiet will be key to any sort of result. His heat map suggests he’s all action so expect lots of energy and endeavour also from the midfielder.
Predicted Line-up
Ravizolli
Kioso – O’Hora – Darling – Lewington -Harvie
McEachran – O’Riley
Twine – Parrot
Eisa
With Kasumu’s hamstring injury probably ruling him out to at least start the game. New signing Theo Corbeanu should be registered in time to make an appearance following Friday’s transfer. I’m predicting a 2-0 win. These sorts of games are always tight and feisty, Mo Eisa with a double.
COYD
Editor – Please note, Jon wrote this ahead of the breaking news regarding Fisher, I changed his team prediction.
