The League Two Playoff Final is within sight, the Wembley Arch beckons, but who will make it there? AFC Wimbledon take a slender lead into this second leg, but know that Notts County will be throwing everything at them at Plough Lane.
League Two
Our Three Predictions For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County
- Prediction 1 – Match To Be A Draw – 2/1
- Prediction 2 – Under 2.5 Goals Scored – 3/5
- Prediction 3 – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 3/4
First Prediction For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County – Match To Be A Draw – 2/1
After a hard fought win last Saturday night, Wimbledon have a slender advantage to protect in this home second leg. It was a game that was keenly contested and indeed boiled over towards the end. The Dons would have taken that result with open arms, so they now have a firm foothold and with their league leading defence could be favourites to move on to the final. At home they have the second best record in the division, only Bradford City were better. This game will be tight, just like the first leg, and with Notts County having to come out looking for a goal, it could either open up early or stay largely cagey throughout. Given that both will not want to throw caution to the wind early this game could be decided late on, with some late drama as precious goals could come late, and set nerves on edge. County have only drawn seven on the road, and have the second best away record. There really isn’t much to separate the two sides, and a draw on the night could be the best bet.
Second Prediction For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County – Under 2.5 Goals Scored – 3/5
With only one goal in the first leg, despite a many chances for both sides, this may be a game that mirrors that first encounter. Notts County have to score, and their advances could well leave the door open for a Wimbledon side that has struggle of late to find the net, but also recently a good knack of getting important goals. If the two goalkeepers are once again inspired by the occasion, this will be another reason why the score will be low. At home Wimbledon have scored 35 times while only conceding 16, and County on their travels go a couple better with 37, but have conceded 28. The enormity of the situation will also add to some players being tense in front of goal and perhaps snatching at chances. Either way this has the makings of a low scoring game.
Third Prediction For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 3/4
The fact the County have to score, or they will be knocked out, does not obviously guarantee they will. Especially against one of the meanest defences in the whole EFL. If they create chances like they did in their home leg, then surely the law of averages, as well as the need to score, means they will. Wimbledon have gotten by on a resilient back line that is fighting hard to keep clean sheets, their 22 overall is testament to that. Wimbledon, buoyed with the fact they are scoring big goals at teh right time, will feel a goal in this game could well be enough as it will force their opponent to score twice, and eben though that is not out the question, given current form it could be a long shot. Both may well score, but a goal apiece looks a safe option.
Best Odds For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County
| Bookmaker | Wimbledon Win | Draw | Notts County Win |
| MyriadPlay | 6/5 | 2/1 | 53/25 |
| GentlemanJim | 5/4 | 2/1 | 21/10 |
| Betarno | 6/5 | 197/100 | 51/25 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head To Head
Johnnie Jackson has his fair share of critics from home supporters, the last two months saw some fairly lacklustre displays and the Dons had gone into their shell too often. However, they did still pick up results and when it mattered in the last two games, have been as dependable at the back as ever, and have managed to find an important goal. It will likely be an unchanged side, after all why fix something that isn’t broken. This means goal shy top scorer Matty Stevens is likely to start, and you feel his hard work will pay off with the right supply lines, so again look for some creativity from Marcus Browne. James Tilley will need to be more aggressive going forward, and perhaps Alistair Smith in midfield could be the hero. Joe Lewis at the back does tend to ride his luck at times, but is still the heartbeat in a defence that even though at times does wobble, it rarely topples over. Owen Goodman continues to astound with some top drawer saves, and will be called upon again if another clean sheet is to be kept. Wembley is tantalisingly close, and that could be the difference in this tense match for the Dons.
Stuart Maynard felt hard done by after the first leg. His Notts County side did have the majority of possession, and played with attacking intent that saw a host of chances created. Some inspired goalkeeping, and last ditch defending saw them goalless. The sending off Alassana Jatta means he misses this game, and will be a big loss, as his presence alone is enough to open up defences for others, So the heavy lifting will turn even more to veteran David McGoldrick, who had a great first leg, but was limping off at the end. If he can produce another above average performance they might be able to save their season, Talking of saves, Alex Bass kept his side in the tie with some very handy work between the posts, and with Jacob Bedeau in front of him with Lewis Macari they too have a good defence. George Abbott will be his usual busy self, and look out for Jodi Jones, who might just be the wild card in this pack. County will be fired up for this one, and might just upset the odds, but to do so will have to score twice, and that might be a stretch against a stubborn defence with something to hold onto.
Confrontation |
Where To Watch AFC Wimbledon v Notts County
- Location: The Cherry Red Records Stadium, Wimbledon
- Date And Time: May 17, 12.30pm
- TV Channel: This match will be televised live on Sky Sports Football
Probable Lineups For AFC Wimbledon v Notts County
Probable Lineup For AFC Wimbledon
Team: Goodman; Harbottle, Lewis, Johnson; Tilley, Smith, Reeves, Hippolyte, Neufville, Stevens, Browne
Manager: Johnnie Jackson
Probable Lineup For Notts County
Team: Bass; Bedeau, Platt, Macari; Austin, Palmer, Abbott, Jones; McGoldrick, Grant, Traore
Manager: Stuart Maynard
