By Chris Slavin
Neal Ardley said that his players will have to be at their best to earn maximum points against Charlton Athletic tonight and he has called on Wimbledon supporters to help them achieve it.
The Addicks will arrive at the Cherry Red Records Stadium in rejuvenated form with Lee Bowyer having guided them into the top-six. However, Wimbledon's display against fellow play-off contenders Scunthorpe United, who were completely out-played in the first-half, offered encouragement.
Below are the views from both camps, plus stats, and other information, ahead of the big game.
Neal Ardley
"Charlton have changed their shape around a bit and they have got a lot of attacking players in the team. They play with a lot of freedom and rotation. They are brave. We are going to have to master that. They are a big team in this league with good players. They have players who should expect to be in the top-six. It is not easy playing against teams down the bottom in six pointers and it's not easy playing against teams near the top. All we can do is bring our A game. We have to be respectful of what they are doing, but we also know we have to get some points. We will do our best to get them.
"I've always liked the home games and night time home games are great normally. We have to try and bring the energy that gets everyone off their seats, that gets everyone behind us, and if we can work together, us and the fans, it can be a fortress. It has been in the past and we need it to be again."
Lee Bowyer
"We are confident, we are in a good place at the moment. The lads have had good preparation over the last couple of days since the game on Saturday, they are all excited. I was disappointed we did not win the game on Saturday, that will never change, but Bristol Rovers is not an easy place to go to. To come from behind and get a point is better than nothing and it could be a valuable point come May. Overall, I'm disappointed with just a point, which makes Tuesday's game all the more important to go and win there.
"They're all physical matches at this time of year. Everybody is playing for something. Wimbledon are playing to stay in the league. Bristol Rovers were playing to try and get in the play-offs, we're trying to stay in the play-offs. Whoever you're playing, they're playing for something and they're professionals so they're going to give 100 per cent. Every game is difficult, especially at this time of year."
Team news
Joe Pigott is expected to be in the squad to face his former club Charlton after shaking off a bout of concussion and Darius Charles has put a hip injury behind him. For Charlton, Ahmed Kashi (heel) is expected to miss out and Jay Dasilva is also a doubt with a thigh injury.
Last time out
AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Scunthorpe United
Bristol Rovers 1-1 Charlton Athletic
Previous meeting
AFC Wimbledon 3-1 Charlton Athletic (Emirates FA Cup second round)
A double from Lyle Taylor sealed an impressive victory for the Dons after Cody McDonald's opener. It was a win that paved the way to Wembley with the Dons paired with Tottenham Hotspur in the draw a day later.
Last six
AFC Wimbledon DLLDWL
Charlton Athletic DWWWDL
Tickets
As this is an all-ticket match, supporters cannot buy on the night. Terrace tickets are available until 2.00 pm for those who are eligible to purchase them. Please see our Match Details announcement for more.
iFollow
If you're not going the game, you can follow every kick by tuning into our iFollow service. For domestic subscribers, our WDON team will be providing full match commentary and overseas subscribers can tune into a live stream. Visit our iFollow page for more details.