AFC Wimbledon face Arsenal U21 in an EFL Trophy group stage match at Plough Lane on Tuesday, October 27. The fixture offers a chance for the Dons to reset after a difficult spell in League One, where they currently sit 16th with 13 points from 12 games, having recorded three wins and four draws against five losses. Their goal difference stands at minus eleven, with eight scored and nineteen conceded.
Their recent form shows just one win in the last five league outings, a sequence that includes a 1-1 draw with Wycombe on Saturday 24 October. Jayden Stockley, the club's top scorer with five goals this season, netted in that game. Before that, they suffered heavy defeats to Mansfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday. Their recent run reads zero wins, two draws and three losses, following results including a 0-3 home loss to Mansfield Town on Tuesday 20 October and a 5-0 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 17 October. They are also twelve points behind the league leaders, Huddersfield.
Recent struggles
Manager Johnnie Jackson will likely use the Trophy tie to assess his squad. The team's last starting lineup featured Bursik in goal, with a back line of Tilley, Yiadom, Johnson and Seddon. Sasu, Cornick, Harrison, Smith, Hippolyte and Stockley completed the side.
Arsenal's young side, who last fielded a team including K. Ranson, Jaden Dixon and England youth international Nwaneri, will provide a different kind of test. The competition rules often lead to rotated teams, giving fringe players a valuable opportunity.
With a goal difference of minus eleven in the league, shoring up the defence will be a priority. The immediate focus then returns to the league campaign and a tough trip to face second-placed Stockport County on Saturday 31 October.
