The Cherry Records Stadium is the venue for a vital clash at the bottom of League Two as AFC Wimbledon are set to host Rochdale on Saturday afternoon.
The home side currently find themselves in 16th place in the table, having amassed 46 points from their 39 league games so far this campaign. With only seven games left in the season, the Dons look destined to be set for another year in League Two as they are currently 14 points above the relegation zone and 15 points beneath the playoff places.
Wimbledon come into this game on the back of an uninspiring run of form that has seen the Dons gain just four points from their last eight league games. This run has included frustrating defeats against the likes of Crawley, Barrow and Gillingham.
Johnnie Jackson’s side featured in midweek League Two action as they defeated Walsall to end their 12-game winless run and ease their relegation fears. Will Nightingale's first goal of the season set the Dons on their way to a win which lifted them up two places to 16th in League Two.
It’s been a miserable season so far for Rochdale and their supporters. Two managers, just six wins and 24 defeats from their opening 38 games and the club now face the very real possibility of falling into non-league for the first time in over a century.
Jim Bentley’s side have gained four points from their last four league games after recording a victory over promotion chasing Stevenage and sharing the points in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Swindon a couple of weeks ago.
Last time out, Rochdale travelled to Broadfield Stadium to face Crawley Town in a six-point relegation battle. This game was seen by many as a must win if the Dale were to have any chance or remaining in the football league this season.
First-half goals from Dom Telford and Dion Conroy condemned Dale to defeat, leaving them ten points behind their opponents. With only eight games left in their campaign, this defeat leaves Rochdale ten points from safety.
AFC Wimbledon have dominated this fixture in recent years and are undefeated in their past ten meetings with this weekend’s opposition. Furthermore Wimbledoin have won four of the past five meetings, whilst scoring 13 goals.
Wimbledon were able to hold onto all three points when these sides met in the reverse fixture in October. The Dons managed to open up a two goal advantage thanks to a first half goal from Ayoub Assal and a second half goal from Josh Davison.
Despite halving the deficit thanks to Tyrese Sinclair, Rochdale were unable to find an equaliser as the game finished 2-1 to Wimbledon.
Wimbledon are heavily favoured by the bookies ahead of this matchup and are currently priced @ 23/20 to win the game whilst an away win for Rochdale is priced @ 9/4 and a draw is @ 23/10.
We are backing Wimbledon to win 2-1 because of their domination of this fixture in recent years, where they have not lost in the past ten meetings. Furthermore, a midweek win should give the dons a lift in confidence heading into this one.