One of the key fixtures from this weekend’s League Two action is one of the biggest derbies in English football, and for one of the most unique reasons.
AFC Wimbledon hosts MK Dons this Saturday. A rivalry with so much history, but not in the typical way. The history is not just the times the two have faced each other, which has only happened 14 times. In those games, MK Dons have come out better, with nine wins for them, three draws and only two wins for AFC Wimbledon.
The sides have faced each other once this season, at Stadium MK, and the home side turned over their opposition in a convincing 3-1 victory. At that point, the game was arguably a six-pointer, however, eight places in the league now separate the two, as Johnnie Jackson’s men have picked up only eight points in the seven matches since that game, with MK picking up 13 points in the same number of games.
MK’s push up the league has coincided with the appointment of Mike Williamson earlier in the season, following the dismissal of Graham Alexander after a poor start to the campaign.
The home side will be hoping that they can be strong challengers for their opposition’s promotion hopes this weekend, however, their recent performance at their stadium has been less than impressive, leaving the side in lower mid-table when based on home games only.
Here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see this major derby going…
Charlie Beeston
“On the League Two Podcast recently, I’ve been tipping MK Dons to hit the automatic promotion spots, or potentially even the title, so it would be no surprise to many reading this that my prediction will sway that way. However, this is a huge game for their promotion chances. An away game, at their biggest rivals, who haven’t had a great run recently, it has suddenly become a must-win, or at the very least, a must-not lose.
That poor run that Johnnie Jackson’s men are on could be their downfall in this game. Goalscoring has not been their biggest strength recently, whilst their opponents have only failed to score in three matches since November. That could mean they may struggle if MK are to get the goal their recent form suggests they will. Therefore, I see this one playing out as the away side scoring first and then controlling the game, and potentially grabbing another late on.”
AFC Wimbledon 0-2 MK Dons
Ivan Newsome
“The history surrounding this tie doesn’t need to be brought up, and both teams should be focused on the present rather than the past.
It’s fair to say each side has similar ambitions of promotion to League One this season, however, one’s chances are far higher than the others. MK Dons sit in fifth yet just five points off of the title, and based on recent form, should be targeting automatic promotion at this stage.
As for Wimbledon, their chances of even making the playoffs this season are quickly slipping away from them after three losses and a draw in their last four games.
In the reverse fixture, MK Dons put the game to bed in the first half and although Wimbledon are expected to put up more of a fight at home, I can only see this going one way. Away win for me.”
AFC Wimbledon 1-3 MK Dons
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