Preview of tonight's match against Plymouth
Neal Ardley has challenged his squad to prove that they can match three of the best sides in League 2 during the run-in.
Tonight’s match at Plymouth is one of three fixtures out of four against promotion contenders with Wycombe Wanderers and Bury also lying in wait and the Dons finish off 2014/15 against a Cheltenham side who are fighting to stay in the Football League.
Speaking during an interview for Dons Player ahead of the match in South Devon, Neal Ardley said: “Our two away games that we have to play are against teams pushing for promotion, which is great, because there is something resting on these matches. Both will be tough away games, but we want get that away win. Our away form since the turn of the year has not been good enough. We have tried everything to rectify that. We are going to have to play exceptionally well to change that. The odds will tell you we will be huge underdogs.
“If any of my teams do not match-up for work-rate I will be the first to admit it. That has only happened once or twice this season. I think it is great that we are up against teams that have something to play for. It adds that spice to the games and that nervousness. Hopefully, we can have a huge say on what goes on at both ends of the table because of our performances and results.”
Home Park has been a very happy hunting ground for the Dons with wins in each of the last three seasons, but John Sheridan has now turned Plymouth into a formidable force in South Devon. Victory against Mansfield on Saturday made it 14 home wins for the season and retained their spot in the play-off zone.
Sheridan has a lot of respect for Wimbledon, but he says that he expects to win the game tonight.
“Wimbledon are a decent team," he said. "Only two or three weeks ago they felt themselves they could have been in the play-off positions so I’m expecting a tough game. We’ve had them watched again - they play good football and they’ve got some good players going forward so we’ll be wary of that. We’ll work on what they’re going to throw at us.
“I expect us to win the game and that’s what we’re going to do. I’ve got a lot of time for Neil Ardley and Neil Cox. I know them both really well and they’re both great lads and they’re doing a good job there. I want to concentrate on us though and we’ve got to try to get at them and get them on the back foot.”
yesterday, Deji Oshilaja is rated as “touch and go” to play by Neal Ardley and Alfie Potter is ruled out through a groin injury.announcedAs we
WDON commentators Mikey T and Rob Cornell will be providing live coverage from Home Park via Dons Player so you can join them from 7.45 pm tonight.