After a mostly unpredictable League Two season, the playoffs will likely be more of the same. Notts County roller coasted their way to sixth place, and host AFC Wimbledon in this semi-final first leg, who put a bad late run to bed with a win on the last day to finish fifth.
League Two
Our Three Predictions For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon
- Prediction 1 – Match To Be A Draw – 53/25
- Prediction 2 – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 4/5
- Prediction 3 – Under 2.5 Goals Scored – 61/100
First Prediction For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon – Match To End In A Draw – 53/25
Two teams that battled hard all season to claim an automatic promotion place now have to navigate their way through the playoff lottery. Notts County have home advantage in the first leg of this semi-final and if the regular season is anything to go by that may not count for too much as they have lost their last three at home, and overall eight games. They did win 10 so the balance is there. AFC Wimbledon also have a fairly balanced record on the road, in fact it couldn’t be more level with seven wins and eight losses on their travels. An away day win at Grimsby Town on the last day confirmed their place in the playoffs, but that covers what was poor run in as they had not won their previous four on the road before that. With tensions high, and records as level as they could be, this could be a game that both teams settle not to lose, and keep their promotion ambitions alive.
Second Prediction For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 4/5
County have the fifth highest goals tally in League Two, with 68 overall but only 31 of those have come at home. Nevertheless that is way over a goal per game average, and there is every chance that record will continue in this home first leg matchup. At the other end, they have conceded just 21 times, good enough for joint sixth lowest. The Dons dried up where goals are concerned during the run in and only scored 21 away from home, so a little under a goal a game, but their best defence in the league held up as they only conceded 19. Overall they scored 56, and a league low 35, 10 fewer than the next best team. So goals will be a premium, but both teams are above average, and given the occasion there is every chance that each side will grab a vital goal.
Third Prediction For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon – Under 2.5 Goals Scored – 61/100
The Dons have one of the best defences in the English league, and that could carry them through the playoffs, but they also have grown goal shy in the last couple of months, which slowed their progress of what looked like an automatic promotion. Having said that, a goal away in this game would be crucial if they want to advance to Wembley for the final. Notts County have also dried up on the goal front but at home they have managed a goal in each of their last three, and before that put three past MK Dons. They have let in seven in the three recent home losses, and as much as that means they are vulnerable, the playoffs will breathe new life into them. This will be a close game as neither will want to lose going into the second leg, so expect a game with few chances and fewer converted.
Best Odds For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon
| Bookmaker | Notts County Win | Draw | Wimbledon Win |
| MyriadPlay | 21/20 | 53/25 | 23/10 |
| GentlemanJim | 23/20 | 21/10 | 9/4 |
| Betarno | 107/100 | 209/100 | 221/100 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head To Head
Stuart Maynard has guided Notts County through a tough run in and managed to secure a playoff place by finishing sixth. They were in control of their destiny for a long time during the season, but in the end had to scramble their way to extend their season. A home win will of course be valuable but as of late any form at Meadow Lane has evaporated, so the big players will have to be at their best. Alassana Jatta finished the season on 19 goals, and he will need to be at his best to give a tight Wimbledon defence trouble. Conor Grant has come on well this season, and the 23 year old Irishman can add to his four goals but perhaps more importantly his three assists being added to could be bad news for the Dons. Keeping things tight at the back will be down to the veteran play of Rod McDonald, and stalwart Matty Platt. They have every chance of making a push for promotion, keeping it close from the opening leg is key.
AFC Wimbledon have had a very mixed season that has had their fans joyous at the prospect of perhaps even winning League Two, to the thoughts of not even making the playoffs. For a team that would’ve taken a run at the playoffs, let alone be in them and regarded as favourites, it should be enough to appease them. Johnnie Jackson is a manager very much still learning on the job, or so it seems as he sometimes struggles to adapt in-game, but the plan has worked out. Matty Stevens is one of the players that has struggled of late and the club will hope he rediscovers his goal scoring touch, and add to his team leading 17 goals. No one came close to double figures in the scoring chart and it was on loan midfielder Alistair Smith that was second to Stevens with six goals. The back line is solid, golden glove winner Owen Goodman had 21 clean sheets, and more of those could well see Wimbledon promoted. The attacking wing back play of James Tilley and Josh Neufville is the likely source of attacking intent. The Dons have the pressure off, and that could just be what is needed over the next three weeks.
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Where To Watch Notts County v AFC Wimbledon
- Location: Meadow Lane, Nottingham
- Date And Time: May 17, 8pm
- TV Channel: This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Football
Probable Lineups For Notts County v AFC Wimbledon
Probable Lineup For Notts County
Team: Bass; Bedeau, Platt, McDonald; Jones, Palmer, Abbott, Gordon; Whitaker, Grant; Jatta
Manager: Stuart Maynard
Probable Lineup For AFC Wimbledon
Team: Goodman; Harbottle, Lewis, Johnson; Tilley, Reeves, Hutchinson, Smith, Neufville; Stevens, Bugiel
Manager: Johnnie Jackson
Media Centre: News About Notts County v AFC Wimbledon
