AFC Wimbledon host Cheltenham Town tomorrow in the First Round of the FA Cup. A couple of weeks ago this may have looked like a game that the Dons could win with some comfort. The form of both, however, has changed, and now the League One team will travel to London with a bit more confidence.
Both teams will know how important it is to have a good run in the Cup. A couple of wins away from a potential money-spinning tie, and the chance of an upset. To get there though they have to get past the opening rounds which have their dangers.
Manager Criticised
AFC Wimbledon come into this game on the back of two very heavy defeats and will want to stop a slide in form that has opened up a debate on whether manager Johnnie Jackson is the right man to take the club forward. It seems a little knee-jerk to suggest that given their early season form and performances were far better than expected.
The fact is when you ship eight goals in two games and have a home record that only boasts one win this season in the league – although they did beat Coventry City in the Carabao Cup at Plough Lane – it is a game that has fans approaching with caution.
That is something that the players cannot do though. It has been slow starts in games, and after the interval, that has cost the Dons in recent games. Any sleepwalking into this game will be punished, as you can be sure that Darrell Clarke will have done his homework. After failing to score in their opening dozen league games, the Robins have turned a corner and picked up two wins in their last three games, although they remain bottom of League One.
Given the club’s financial situation, a deep run in the FA Cup will do wonders for the coffers, as well as club morale. And for now will get the naysayers off of the managers back.
Predicted Starting Line-Up
During a meeting of the Dons Trust (owners of the club) this week it was revealed that the AFC Wimbledon PLC board have instructed Jackson to play his full-strength side. This is a move not only to ensure that the Dons have the best possible chance of winning the tie but also to suggest there should be no excuses for any shortcomings.
With no major injuries reported at the time of writing, it would be prudent for Jackson to utilise a 4-4-2 formation, and not go with a one up front, which tends to leave that man too isolated. Ali Al-Hamadi looks set to be the lead man, but Omar Bugiel is the preferred option to start alongside the Iraqi, ahead of Josh Davison. Josh Neufville has been more productive going forward than Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, and it will be hoped that James Tilley can find his scoring boots again.
The back line has been reliable until the last fortnight, and the only change to what has been a so far easy selection would be to put now fit again Huseyin Biler in place of Isaac Ogundere.
