Simon Bassey has backed the Dons defence and the presence of Darius Charles to play an important factor in tomorrow’s battle for points at Rochdale.
“Darius is a big character and he’s quite vocal and does his job well,” said AFC Wimbledon’s Coach. “If you can influence others around you at this stage of the season it’s great because it can be a bit nervy. Some find the pressure harder to handle than others. Having a good voice behind you will encourage you to do well.”
Charles (pictured) and centre-back partner Deji Oshilaja have formed a solid partnership at the back for Wimbledon that will come under pressure again on Saturday, from a Keith Hill side battling to beat the drop.
Wimbledon visit Lancashire in buoyant mood, after last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Oxford United, while the hosts are also be looking to retain their League One status. The Dale go into the match in the relegation zone, but with games in hand after their FA Cup run was ended by Tottenham.
Simon Bassey –
“As always with Keith’s teams they are very good. They look to play open and expansive football. They’ll work their socks off. I’ve watched their last three games – they got a really good win at Rotherham and against Walsall. I watched the goalless draw with Southend in midweek. It’s difficult for them as they are playing a lot of games at the moment, but it’s up to us to capitalise on that if we can.
“We did ourselves a favour last week, beating Oxford. It brings them into it. On Tuesday night, all the teams down there played and a few of them had good wins, one drew and one got beat. Our aim is to focus on ourselves and try and win as many games as we can.”
Keith Hill –
“We can’t draw too much attention or relevance to an individual game when we’ve got 13 to play. It’s the next opponent that we’re playing against and we want to win it because we prepare to win games. Most of the footballing world have already written us off so we’re not fighting anything accept ourselves.”
Team news
Cody McDonald is rated doubtful, having picked up a foot injury. Fellow striker Kwesi Appiah is being put through intensive fitness work at St George's Park, the FA's national football centre, to help with his recuperation from a hamstring injury.
iFollow
If you can't make it to The Crown Oil Arena tomorrow, then listen to the game via iFollow. Our WDON team will be providing live commentary for domestic subscribers. For those overseas, you can watch a live stream of the game. Visit our iFollow section on the official website for more details.
Last meeting
Saturday, 30 September
Sky Bet League One
AFC Wimbledon 0, Rochdale 0.
Memorable meeting
The Dons beat the weather conditions to record a memorable 2-1 victory at The Dale back in 2013.
Re-live goals from Sammy Moore and Andy Frampton, from the League Two clash, via the link below to our official YouTube channel.
Last time out
Rochdale 0, Southend United 0.
AFC Wimbledon 2, Oxford United 1.
Tickets
AFC Wimbledon supporters can buy tickets on the day to cheer on Neal Ardley's men at Rochdale.
Prices are as follows:
Adults £22; Concessions (over 65 and under 21) £16; Juniors (16 and under) £5.
There are separate turnstiles for adults, concessions and juniors. For juniors needing to be admitted with an accompanying adult, the adult should first purchase a ticket for the junior from the ticket office. At the turnstiles, those aged 21 and under must provide photographic ID that includes their date of birth. Rochdale do not offer student concessions.