Quotes and match stats ahead of tonight's game
AFC Wimbledon take on EFL Trophy finalists Coventry City in Sky Bet League One at the Cherry Red Records Stadium tonight, kick-off 7.45pm.
The Dons will be looking to build on their improved second half show from Saturday, when a late Tom Elliott goal earned them a point from the London derby with Charlton Athletic. The Sky Blues are rooted to the bottom of the table and it’s all about survival and picking up points, but have a date at Wembley Stadium to look forward to.
The Dons' home form is impressive - as they look to make it seven games unbeaten in the league.
QUOTES
Neil Cox –
“They’ve got a lot of spirit. It’ll be a difficult game for us. It doesn’t really matter where they are in the league – it’s Coventry City coming to play us at our ground and they’ll be looking for three points and to push themselves up the table. They had a good win last week to get them to the final at Wembley, so they’ll be quite confident.”
“Russell Slade has changed it since he has come in as manager. You can tell they are a little bit more organised. It’s a little bit more of a 4-4-1-1 situation defensively, but they spring forward, they’ve got a lot of good players in their side and a lot of young players. They’re a big, strong side so it’ll be a difficult game for us.”
“We’re not looking over our shoulders, we’re looking positive. It’s another home game, after finishing the second half (against Charlton) really strongly we’ll be looking to start this game really quick and fast and get in amongst them and try and get the win at home on a Tuesday night – which is always good playing at home on a Tuesday night.”
George Francomb –
“I’ve no problems dropping back into right-back, if required. As long as the manager needs me to play there, if Barry (Fuller) is recovering from his injury, I’m happy to do so for the team.
“Although Coventry are bottom of the league, you can’t take things like that for granted as they are going to be fighting for their lives to get three points and try and catch up and get out of that relegation zone. We want to take our second-half from Saturday into Tuesday night and make sure that we are on our game.”
“As professionals we want to strive to hit some targets. We don’t want the season to just fall away and end up finishing in the bottom half, we want to be as high up the league as we can as it’s our first season in League One.”
“I think if we finish in the top half or the top ten – that’s a great season for us. We’re going to look to strive towards that and hopefully that will start with three points on Tuesday.”
“I want to play as many games as I can. It’s been a tough season for me really. I had my knee injury at the start, came back from that, had seven teeth dislodged and I was out for a bit with that! Then I had a hamstring injury so it’s been pretty tough, but I try and play as many games as I can and help the team achieve those goals.”
talking to Dons Player and our official YouTube channel ahead of tonight's game.George Francomb
TEAM NEWS
Tom Elliott is suspended for this match, but will be available for selection at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday. Darius Charles and Dean Parrett come into the squad, captain Barry Fuller went for a scan yesterday and will be assessed with others today. Jon Meades is still ruled out.
Coventry yesterday completed the signing of former Everton forward Yakubu Aiyegbeni on a deal until the end of the season, subject to international clearance. Captain Jordan Willis is set to serve the final game of his suspension. Stuart Beavon remains a fitness doubt.
LAST MEETING
28 September, 2016 –
Coventry City 2, AFC Wimbledon 2.
(Our picture shows Jon Meades equalising for the Dons to make it one all.)
FORM GUIDE
(Last six games in all competitions)
AFC Wimbledon DLDLWD
Coventry City LWLLWL
LAST TIME OUT
AFC Wimbledon 1, Charlton Athletic 1.
Oldham Athletic 3, Coventry City 2.
LEAGUE POSITIONS
AFC Wimbledon – 15th
Coventry City – 24th
MATCH COMMENTARY
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