Softfootball.com match preview
AFC Wimbledon will look to return to winning ways this Saturday when they host struggling Carlisle United at the Cherry Red Records Stadium in League Two action. The Dons currently sit 13th in the table with 13 points, having played only seven matches, while the visitors find themselves in the relegation zone in 22nd place with seven points after 10 games.
Match Preview
AFC Wimbledon is coming off a thrilling 4-3 victory over League One side Crawley in the EFL Trophy, where they snatched victory with a last-minute goal from Joe Pigott. However, their league form has been less impressive, suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Salford in their last league outing, a match where they limited their opponents to few clear chances but conceded late. Manager Johnnie Jackson expressed disappointment over the result but emphasized that his team deserved more from the game.
Despite their recent struggles, Wimbledon is just six points off the top spot, with three games in hand on most of the teams above them. The Dons have shown strong form at home this season, winning all five of their league matches at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, scoring 11 goals and conceding just four. Jackson will be keen for his side to capitalize on their home advantage against a beleaguered Carlisle team.
In contrast, Carlisle United is enduring a tough campaign, having lost 10 of their 13 matches this season. Their most recent outing saw them fall 2-0 to Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy, managing just one shot throughout the match. In their previous league game, they played out a goalless draw with Colchester United, where manager Mike Williamson felt his team performed well in the first half despite their overall struggles.
While Carlisle has shown some resilience on the road, with a draw and a win in their last two away games, their earlier form was concerning, as they lost four consecutive matches on the road, conceding 11 goals in the process. Williamson will be hoping his side can break free from their slump and find a way to earn points against Wimbledon.
Team News
AFC Wimbledon will be without midfielder Joe Lewis, who has been sidelined due to injury. Manager Johnnie Jackson may opt to replace him with James Ball and could shift from a back three to a more traditional back four. Expect to see Alistair Smith, Jake Reeves, and Myles Hippolyte join Josh Neufville in the midfield.
For Carlisle, they will miss key players due to injuries and international duty. Defender Terell Thomas is away with the Saint Lucia national team, while Jordan Jones also picked up an injury against Colchester. The Blues will be without several other players, including Aaron Hayden, Ben Williams, Ethan Robson, and Dylan McGeouch. However, Callum Guy and Taylor Charters have returned from injury and may play a role in the lineup.
Predicted Lineups
AFC Wimbledon:
Goodman; Ball, Harbottle, Ogundere, Furlong; Neufville, Smith, Reeves, Hippolyte; Pigott, Bugiel
Carlisle United:
Lewis; Lavelle, Thomas, Mellish, Davies; Neal, Biggins, Harper; Vela, Wyke, Armstrong
Softfootball Prediction
Given their strong home record and the number of injuries plaguing Carlisle United, AFC Wimbledon are clear favorites heading into this clash. The Dons have a chance to bounce back from their league defeat and continue their perfect home form.
Final score prediction: AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Carlisle United
