AFC Wimbledon vs Accrington Stanley: League Two Play-Off Preview & Prediction

Accrington Stanley will look to put their disappointing end to the season behind them went they travel south to face AFC Wimbledon in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.

Stanley were second going into the final round of fixtures in what was a three-horse race for automatic promotion, and knew that a win at home to Stevenage would guarantee them League One football next term.

However, while rivals Oxford United and Bristol Rovers both recorded victories, the latter’s finally coming deep into second half injury time, John Coleman’s side couldn’t find the goal they needed, meaning they now face the lottery of the play-offs.

Promotion would be an outstanding achievement for the visitors, who have the lowest budget in the league, but they face a stern test in the capital.

Neal Ardley’s finished their campaign strongly with six wins in their final eight matches to clinch seventh spot, and the Dons will be confident heading into this clash.

It is hard to gauge how this match will go back when you look at the two meetings between the sides this term – the latter in London ended in a goalless draw, while the corresponding fixture ended in a thrilling 4-3 away win for Wimbledon.

Team News:

The hosts will be without defender John Meades, who has been sidelined for three weeks, but Connor Smith is expected to be fit despite being stretchered off with a neck injury in the victory against Newport last weekend.

Meanwhile, Coleman is still missing the influential Matt Crooks because of an ankle problem, but he can use his four loanees – Tariqe Fosu, Brad Halliday, Andy Little, and Joe Wright for the duration of the play-offs.

League Position: AFC Wimbledon – 7th (75 pts) ; Accrington – 4th (85 pts)
Previous Meeting: AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Accrington (March 5, 2016)
Form: AFC Wimbledon – WWWLDW; Accrington – WDWWWD
Key Men: AFC Wimbledon – Lyle Taylor; Accrington – Billy Kee
Shoot Says: AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Accrington