AFC Wimbledon
Colchester United
It is hard to look past Colchester’s terrible season last time round when predicting this game. The U’s finished just three points above the drop zone and it is unlikely that their fortunes drastically change this time round.
AFC Wimbledon have dominated this fixture's short history, winning all four competitive meetings between the two sides. We are not expecting a change in fortunes this weekend and are predicting a 2-1 victory for AFC Wimbledon.
The new League Two season kicks off with a clash between AFC Wimbledon and Colchester United. Both sides will be eager to hit the ground running and set the tone for the campaign.
Wimbledon, having secured a comfortable mid-table finish last season, will be aiming to challenge for the play-offs.
Johnnie Jackson is the man tasked with guiding AFC Wimbledon in their League Two campaign. A former midfielder with a wealth of experience, Jackson took over the reins in 2022 and has since instilled a sense of stability at the club.
Colchester, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their hard-fought survival and push for a higher league position. Danny Cowley is the man at the helm of Colchester United as they embark on their League Two campaign.
Known for his energetic and attacking style of play, Cowley brings a wealth of experience to the role. His previous managerial stints at Lincoln City and Portsmouth have seen him achieve promotion success, making him a formidable opponent for any team.
It is Wimbledon who come into this game as home favourites and they are currently priced @ ⅚ to win, whilst an away win for Colchester is Priced @ 13/5 and a draw is @ 23/10.
We are backing AFC Wimbledon to win and Omar Bugiel to score considering their domination of this fixture's history. Bugiel is a likely contender to score given his impressive form last season where he found the back of the net on thirteen occasions.
AFC Wimbledon enjoyed a solid 2023/24 League One campaign, ultimately securing a 10th-place finish. The Dons showcased attacking flair throughout the season, but inconsistency in results prevented them from challenging for a higher position.
Their final five league matches reflected this inconsistency, with a mix of wins, losses, and draws. However, they finished the season on a high note with a resounding 5-1 victory, highlighting their attacking potential and providing a positive platform for the upcoming campaign.
The Dons have not had the best of results in pre-season, with their last two games resulting in defeats at the hands of Maidenhead and Barnet. However it is important to note that pre-season results rarely correlate with league results as there is often a revolving squad in these friendly games.
Colchester United endured a nerve-wracking 2023/24 League One campaign, ultimately securing their survival by a mere three points. Their form throughout the season was inconsistent, with a lack of goalscoring proving to be a significant issue.
Danny Cowley’s side have had a successful pre-season which was capped off in their last game with a 6-0 thrashing of Cambridge Town. This had followed up an impressive 1-0 victory over higher-league opposition in the form of Millwall.
Their final three league games reflected their overall struggles, with two defeats and a draw. However, the draw against Burton Albion in their final match proved to be crucial, as it secured their League One status for another season.
These two sides have met on just four occasions, and it is AFC Wimbledon who have dominated this fixture, winning all four competitive meetings between the sides.
When these two sides last met, it was AFC Wimbledon who came out on top of an eight-goal thriller. The Dons won 5-3, bringing their goal tally to eleven in the four games between these sides.
AFC Wimbledon's summer transfer window has seen a mix of departures and arrivals, resulting in a squad in transition. Key losses include Ayoub Assal, who departed for a fee to a Qatari club. Additionally, loan players Joe Piggott and James Furlong were recalled by their parent clubs, leaving significant gaps in the defence and midfield.
On the incoming side, Johnnie Jackson has focused on experience and defensive solidity. Free transfers for central defenders Ryan Johnson and Alex Pearce add much-needed leadership and aerial presence at the back. Midfielder Jake Reeves brings Championship experience and a calming influence to the engine room.
While these additions bolster the squad, AFC Wimbledon will need time for the new players to gel and integrate into the existing structure. The starting XI could see significant changes, with Johnson and Pearce potentially replacing the departing defenders.
Colchester United have undergone a significant overhaul during the summer transfer window, with a flurry of incomings and outgoings shaping a new-look squad. The departures of several experienced players like Junior Tchamadeu and Luke Norris have created space for a new generation of talent.
Manager Ben Garner has focused on acquiring young, energetic players with a hunger to prove themselves. Notable arrivals include central midfielder Cameron Mcgeehan, known for his creativity and passing range, and striker J. Akinde, a physical presence with a knack for goals. Additionally, the acquisition of Rob Hunt bolsters the defence with experience and leadership.
These signings indicate a shift towards a more dynamic and attacking style of play under Garner. The starting XI could see a complete revamp in some areas.
Unfortunately, there is no live TV coverage for the AFC Wimbledon vs Colchester United match in the UK. Live Text and commentary can be accessed on the social media channels and websites of both AFC Wimbledon and Colchester.
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