AFC Wimbledon prepare for a major test of their defensive resilience away at League One leaders Plymouth Argyle this Saturday. Johnnie Jackson’s side travel to Home Park looking to extend an unbeaten run that now stands at five matches across all competitions.
Jackson, who returned to the club just over two weeks ago, has overseen a significant tightening at the back. "I’m not expecting an entertaining end-to-end contest," the manager said, hinting at a pragmatic approach. The Dons have kept five clean sheets this season, a joint-league high, and have made just two errors leading directly to shots.
Much of that improvement is down to goalkeeper Joe Bursik. The former academy graduate, who rejoined on deadline day from Portsmouth, has been in superb form. Since his return, he has conceded just once in the league and has prevented more goals than any other keeper in the division according to advanced metrics.
The Plymouth threat
Saturday’s opponents present the toughest challenge yet. Plymouth sit top of the table and have strong home form, though their last outing was a 2-2 draw with Newport County in the EFL Trophy. Wimbledon, currently ninth with 12 points from eight games, are just four points behind the leaders.
The Dons' recent results show a team hard to beat. Their last five league games read two wins and three draws, with the most recent a 1-1 draw at Cambridge United where Jayden Stockley scored. The 33-year-old striker, signed from Port Vale in August, is the club's top scorer this season with three goals.
Key men and options
Jackson is expected to stick with a back five, utilising the flexibility of players like Andy Yiadom and Steve Seddon as wing-backs. In midfield, Alistair Smith has started every league game and made more tackles than any teammate, likely partnering Chelsea loanee Ollie Harrison. Myles Hippolyte, who captained Grenada during the recent international break, should operate behind lone striker Stockley.
This represents a dramatic turnaround from a difficult start which included a 3-0 opening day defeat at Huddersfield. The team shipped 72 goals last season but now has the joint-best defensive record in the league. A full rundown of the squad options is available on our squad page.
AFC Wimbledon’s next challenge is a 12:30 kick-off at Plymouth’s Home Park on Saturday, 10 October. The full schedule for the coming weeks can be found in our fixtures list.
