AFC Wimbledon host Wigan Athletic this weekend with visiting manager Gary Caldwell asking for patience after a difficult start to the League One season. The Latics sit rock bottom of the table after defeats to Cambridge United and Leyton Orient, prompting their boss to defend his new-look squad.
Caldwell made his plea this week. He returned to the club in February, a decade after leading them to the League One title, and has overseen a hectic summer transfer window. Wigan have brought in nine permanent signings and five loan players who are still finding their feet as a unit.
"We have to understand it's early days for this team that is still coming together," Caldwell said.
Johnnie Jackson's Wimbledon side enter the match one point and several places above their opponents in the standings. The Dons are currently 16th in League One with 4 points from their first three games, recording one win, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form reads WDL, and they have scored just one goal while conceding three so far this campaign.
Jackson has concerns over the fitness of midfielder Marcus Browne and defender Ryan Johnson. Both players missed the midweek Carabao Cup trip to Fulham, which ended in a 3-0 defeat and elimination from the competition.
"It wasn't a tactical decision to leave them out, they were unavailable through injury," Jackson stated, confirming the pair were sidelined with minor knocks.
The Dons' focus now returns to league action, where they find themselves six points behind early leaders Huddersfield Town. Consolidating their mid-table position will be the immediate aim. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page throughout the season.
A key figure for the visitors will be experienced midfielder Max Power, identified as Wigan's key man. The 3pm kick-off at Plough Lane presents an opportunity for Wimbledon to build momentum before their next fixture, an away trip to face Bromley on September 7th. Bromley currently sit 18th in the table.
For Wigan, the pressure is already mounting despite Caldwell's calm exterior. Integrating 14 new players is a significant challenge, and results are needed quickly to lift the mood. Wimbledon, meanwhile, will be hoping their slightly more settled squad can capitalise on any visitor uncertainty.
Jackson will be keen to have Browne and Johnson available again soon to bolster his options. Supporters can check the latest team news and availability on our dedicated injuries page.
The match offers a chance for Wimbledon to move further clear of the relegation zone early in the season. Their next league game is against Bromley on the 7th of September.
