After serving up a six goal thriller with the help of Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at the weekend, attention now turns to our trip down south and to the nation's capital, London to face a resurgent AFC Wimbledon side.
Unbeaten in their last eight League One matches and sitting in sixth and the play-off positions in the table, Wimbledon will prove to be another difficult team to face especially away from home. Sitting only three points and three places below us in the league this campaign, the Dons currently sit in their highest ever league position and well above their detested rivals MK Dons for the first time in their short playing history since reforming as AFC in 2002.
Saturday proved to be our toughest league match to date this year in my opinion. Sheffield United are a strong side at this level and to come from behind twice during the match and to further nearly win it at the death as Jordi Hiwula's close range attempt hit the bar highlights how mentally ready our squad is to challenge at the top of the table come May and the end of the season. In what could be touted as the best match in the Football League to date this year we shared the spoils with the Blades in a thrilling 3-3 draw, a proper derby match that ebbed and flowed excitedly throughout. Watched by a crowd of nearly 21,000, a higher amount than some Championship matches this weekend and even a few Premier League ties, it's now time for this club to make the next step.
Team news wise we finally have a full strength squad going into this weekend's clash. Tony McMahon is back from his latest injury and is pushing for a start in front of fellow right back Stephen Darby, both of whom have performed well so far this term. With the exception of that possible change I'd fully expect Stuart McCall to start the same XI from the Sheff United clash last weekend.
Taking our encounter with the Blades out of the situation for a moment, we've only conceded 9 goals in our first 15 league matches and have still only lost on one occasion so far this season. Our defence is as solid as it gets at this level and the quality in depth we possess at the back is fantastic. Despite the fact we're still struggling to convert upfront to an extent we still have a positive 7 goal difference, a real testament to how well Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Romain Vincelot in particular have played in their debut seasons with the Bantams thus far.
As for AFC Wimbledon, the Dons are enjoying their debut campaign in League One. Gaining 23 points in their first 15 matches, Wimbledon are punching above the critics pre-season expectations as they were largely expected to struggle following their play-off promotion from League Two last season. Under manager and club legend Neal Ardley, Wimbledon play some attractive football and have justified their lofty league position with some impressive away wins against the likes of Charlton, Bury and Peterborough in recent weeks.
With 21 goals this season to their name Wimbledon are capable of putting goals past any League One defence. Top scorer Lyle Taylor has 5 goals in all competitions whilst tricky winger Dominic Poleon has netted 4 times. The Dons defence could struggle on Saturday though, conceding 18 goals this year in the league, as James Hanson and strike partner Jordi Hiwula could expose this potential weakness during Saturdays 15:00 kick off.
Backed by another sell-out following on the road, Stuart McCall and his Bradford City side will be looking to pick up another win on the road to further propel the club up the League One ladder.
