Dons to down Bradford and stay up
Propping up the League One table in February, AFC Wimbledon looked dead and buried with relegation an almost certainty. However, a remarkable run of form since sees The Dons with survival in their own hands going into the final game of the season. Win at already relegated Bradford and the great escape is complete. Can they finish the job?
Never-say-die spirit
Wimbledon were 10 points adrift of safety following their 0-2 reverse at home to Burton Albion on 9th February, a result which left them staring down the barrel. The Dons could barely score and clean sheets were about as regular as a London bus.
But this isn't a club to just lie down and accept their fate - you only have to look at the history for proof of that. ‘Overcoming the odds’ and Wimbledon arguably go hand-in-hand. And they’re at it again.
Since 9th Feb, The Dons have failed to take something from a game on just two occasions. 7 wins and 5 draws from the ensuing 14 has seen Wally Downes’ team string together a sequence of results you’d expect of a promotion contender - Wimbledon are 7th in the form table over the past 10 games - to bring about a remarkable turnaround in results and a climb up the league standings.
Survival in their own hands
From being down and out, The Dons are very much alive and kicking. Perched two points above the dreaded drop line and with four clubs worse off beneath them, Wimbledon are in control of their own destiny come Saturday evening.
Three points will complete what looked like mission impossible only a few weeks ago and there’s little doubt in my mind they’ll get the job done at Valley Parade.
Downes won’t need to remind his players of the importance of seeing survival through themselves, without facing the scenario where they’re relying on other results. Depending on how Southend, Plymouth, Walsall and Scunthorpe get on, a draw may in fact be enough but having come this far, you’d expect Wimbledon to take care of business on their terms.
Feed the Pig
Chasing promotion or fighting relegation, a reliable source of goals is required and frontman Joe Piggot has delivered in that sense. The lower league journeyman has six goals in his last five games, choosing the perfect moment to hit a rich vein of form.
Crucially, 11 of his tally of 15, have been opening goals and having already surpassed his career best tally of 11, Wimbledon’s main man will fancy his chances of adding to his total against a Bradford team with nothing more than pride to play for.
Bradford vs AFC Wimbledon betting tip
Knowing safety still isn’t a guarantee will serve as all the motivation Wimbledon need to go and get the win they need and seal one of the greatest escapes: Dons to win (6/5 with Blacktype)
