AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth betting tips and predictions for the League Two play-off final today where our betting preview includes three bets.
The third and final play-off final at Wembley sees AFC Wimbledon take on Plymouth on Bank Holiday Monday with a place in League One at stake. We’ve got the best bets for the match.
AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Preview
AFC Wimbledon
There was always going to be a story regardless of the outcome of the Accrington v AFC Wimbledon semi-final. Neither club had reached the third tier in their history, but it’s AFC Wimbledon who are potentially 90 minutes away from setting up two ties with arch-nemesis MK Dons next season.
Finishing 7th, the Dons were under the radar for the majority of the season under former Crazy Gang member Neal Ardley, but they remained consistent and showed tremendous defensive resolve to reach this stage.
It’s been over a week since they qualified for this match, but Neal Ardley is keeping his cards close to his chest, refusing to be drawn on team selections until Saturday. It gives the boss chance to assess his players during training this week before picking the 11 to fire them to the next level.
Against Accrington, it was Adebayo Akinfenwa who caused the damage in both legs. The Stanley defence simply couldn’t cope with his power and struggled to deal with the (very) big man. As well as hitting the bar in the first leg, he provided the goal in the second which sent the tie into extra time. He will have a big part to play in this tie.
Lyle Taylor is a surefire starter. After impressing at Falkirk, the Montserrat born striker had a nomadic spell before settling in West London netting 21 times in the league this season. It was his winner (after great work from Jake Reeves) which sent his side to Wembley.
Ardley has ensured there has been a mix of light training and a more intense session whilst he focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of Plymouth.
The squad have also visited the stadium to soak up the atmosphere and prepare themselves for the big occasion. Many of the players have featured in important matches at the stadium before and they’ll be hoping the younger members of the squad aren’t overwhelmed by the occasion.
Plymouth
Plymouth are fairly tough to break down, but the Dons can boast about their own steel which saw them keep five clean sheets in their last six matches at the end of the regular season. They also prevented Accrington getting on the scoresheet in the first leg at Kingsmeadow.
Potency hasn’t been an issue throughout the season, but just five goals in their last six fixtures is a worry. They can shuffle the pack and the formation if required though and with Tom Elliott, Lyle Taylor, Adebayo’s Azeez and Akinfenwa they have plenty of options going forward. They’ve only lost one of the last ten matches and will be roared on by a passionate set of supporters for the whole 90 minutes.
Plymouth struck late through Peter Hartley and booked their place in the final, confining Portsmouth to another season in the 4th tier and another season of being the fallen favourites to reach League One.
The 2-2 at Fratton Park was a thriller, but the second leg was cagey and probably could have gone either way. The Pilgrims have been at the right end of the table throughout the season and barring a few injurys and the occasional daft result (3-2 loss to Dagenham), they could easily have achieved automatic promotion.
A 5-0 whipping of Hartlepool with a number of key players rested gave them plenty of confidence coming into this fixture and proved there is plenty to be excited about in the future.
Jamille Matt has been scoring the goals which kept them in contention towards the end of the season, but Graham Carey is a man who deserves enormous credit. The play-maker has been exceptional this season, chipping in with goals himself, but creating copious opportunities for his team mates. Most of Plymouth’s best work goes through him and he will no doubt keep the Wimbledon defence busy.
There have been plenty of changes to the playing staff in Derek Adams’ first season in the South West, but Jake Jervis, Gregg Wylde and Ryan Brunt have all played their part. Peter Hartley and Curtis Nelson have performed admirably at the back too, although just two clean sheets in their last 13 games is something they could improve on next season.
Plymouth were accused of being a little physical during their encounters with Portsmouth and there’s plenty of cases to argue for the dismissal of Matt, but he escaped punishment and they’ll be glad to see the man who struck seven times in the last 11 games on the pitch. He has a big part to play before heading back to Fleetwood.
The Green Army will travel in numbers and will no doubt cheer on their side until the end. They’ll be hoping to cap off a fine season and join the likes of Bristol Rovers and Oxford in League One.
AFC Wimbledon Team News
- It’s hard to ascertain what line up Ardley will opt for as he refuses to give much away. It’s unlikely he will tweak the side from the semi-finals too much
- Akinfenwa will undoubtedly play some part, but may be saved for later in the game.
- Connor Smith is back, but may have to settle for a place on the bench. Tom Beere could drop out.
Plymouth Team News
- Derek Adams is unlikely to change a winning side
- Reuben Reid is back to full fitness and declared himself raring to go. But, the striker has had a disappointing season and might be saved for the penalty shootout if required
- Boateng and McHugh are likely to continue in midfield. Adams will have to choose between Craig Tanner or Gregg Wylde.
AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Predictions
Of all the Football League Play-Offs, I believe this is the hardest to call. Both sides have been very effective of late and are powerful going forward. I think it might take a little more than 90 minutes to settle this one. My first AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth betting tip is for the match to end a Draw. It’s 23/10 with Paddy Power.
AFC Wimbledon have been handy at the back recently whilst Plymouth prevented a forward-thinking Portsmouth from finding the net. I think this will be tight. My second AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth prediction is for Under 2.5 goals. It can be backed at 13/20 with Bet365.
Jamille Matt delivered us a winning anytime goalscorer tip after just 10 minutes for us in the first leg and he will be looking to cap off his loan spell in style. A striker in form is always a decent bet and with seven in his last 11 at the end of the season, he can’t be dismissed. My third AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth betting tip is for Jamille Matt to score anytime. He is 15/8 with Sky Bet.
AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Betting Tips
Draw – 23/10 Paddy Power.
Under 2.5 Goals – 13/20 Bet365.
Jamille Matt – 15/8 Sky Bet.
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Andy Clark
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