AFC Wimbledon have the chance to move into League Two's automatic promotion places when they take on Bradford City at the Cherry Red Records Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

As things stand, the hosts are fourth in the table, while the visitors are down in 14th place after a difficult start to the campaign.

Match preview

Wimbledon finished 21st in the 2022-23 campaign, but they have come on leaps and bounds this season, currently just one point off the automatic promotion places after a solid start to the season.

A key reason for the Dons' promising form is their stellar defensive record, having conceded just 10 goals in their opening 12 games, the second-fewest of any side in the fourth tier.

Johnnie Jackson's side have looked particularly impressive since the middle of September, having gone on an undefeated run of five games, during which time they collected 11 points, the second-highest amount of any side.

The only disappointing thing about Wimbledon's start to the season is their home record, having collected just six points in five matches at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, the joint-second lowest amount of any League Two team.

However, the Dons racked up a 4-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers in their most recent home game, and they have since gone on to take four points from their last two away matches, most recently drawing 0-0 against Mansfield Town.

Bradford, on the other hand, are likely to be very disappointed with the start they have made to the season, having taken just 16 points from their opening 12 games, which leaves them four points adrift of the playoffs.

The board have already made the decision to part ways with Mark Hughes, with the Welshman losing his job after the 2-1 loss against a struggling Tranmere side at the beginning of October, but interim boss Kevin McDonald has fared well in his absence.

The 34-year-old orchestrated a 1-0 victory against Swindon Town in his first home match, with Bobby Pointon scoring his first goal for the Bantams, and they followed it up with a 2-1 win away at Grimsby Town last time out.

Bradford have not been as impressive on their travels in the league, having taken just five points from their opening six away games, but they are now starting to build momentum, which can only serve them well ahead of a trip to an in-form AFC Wimbledon side.

Team News

AFC Wimbledon have looked very impressive over the past few weeks, having gone undefeated in their past five games, so there are unlikely to be many alterations to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon.

James Tilley is likely to be the danger man for the Dons, having already picked up seven goals and three assists in League Two this season, and the 25-year-old is poised to start at right-wing.

As for Bradford, Emmanuel Osadebe is unavailable for selection after being shown a straight red card on Tuesday night, meaning Alex Gilliead and Richard Smallwood are set to get the nod in midfield.

Daniel Oyegoke was withdrawn in the first half against Grimsby, as the 20-year-old picked up an injury, so Bradley Halliday is likely to get the nod at right-back.

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:
Bass; Ogundere, Lewis, Johnson, Currie; Tilley, Reeves, Little, Neufville; Bugiel, Al-Hamadi

Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Lewis; Halliday, Platt, Stubbs, Ridehalgh; Gilliead, Smallwood, Pointon, Walker, Wilson; Cook

We say: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Bradford City

AFC Wimbledon have not been particularly impressive at home this season, with their only victory coming against a struggling Tranmere side.

While Bradford have not been at their best away from home, they are starting to gather momentum, winning their last two games on the spin in all competitions, so we expect Saturday's game to finish as a draw.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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