Wimbledon will take on Stevenage in the EFL Trophy this week, with both teams looking to kick their campaigns off with a victory.
Both clubs compete in League One, which makes this a close match to call, especially as there is always an element of the unknown in this competition when it comes to player selection.
As part of this week's round of EFL Trophy betting tips, check out our Wimbledon vs Stevenage prediction.
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Wimbledon vs Stevenage prediction: A win for the visitors
Key Stats
- Stevenage have won five of their six matches against League One opposition this season.
- Wimbledon have lost their last two matches.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in three of Stevenage's last four matches.
Correct score prediction: Wimbledon 0-2 Stevenage
Stevenage are currently inside the automatic promotion places in League One after making an excellent start to the new season. Their form away from home has been near-identical to how it's been at home, which makes them firm favourites for this one, in my eyes at least.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Tough to call
- HOME: 17/10 (2.70) – 37%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Wimbledon vs Stevenage odds suggest that this match will be much closer than we are predicting, which isn't a bad thing as it boosts the value of a Stevenage victory. Ladbrokes have given the visitors a 41.7% chance of winning the match, while Wimbledon have been given a 37% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting in two years
This is the first time in two years that these two teams have played each other, due to Wimbledon's relegation to league Two. The most recent clash came in the EFL Trophy this time two years ago and after a 1-1 draw in normal time, Wimbledon came out on top in the penalty shootout.
England EFL Trophy 05/09/23
AFC Wimbledon
Stevenage
England League 2 15/04/23
Stevenage
AFC Wimbledon
England League 2 28/02/23
AFC Wimbledon
Stevenage
England League 2 17/12/22
AFC Wimbledon
Stevenage
England EFL Trophy 06/11/18
AFC Wimbledon
Stevenage
Wimbledon preview: A chance to reset
After losing two matches in a row, the opportunity to play in the EFL trophy is a welcome one for Wimbledon as they continue to adapt to life back the third tier of English football. The Dons have a clean bill of health and could go with a strong XI to try and get themselves out of their current slump.
Predicted lineup: Bishop (GK), Seddon, Harbottle, Johnson, Ogundere, Asiimwe, Hippolyte, Smith, Reeves, Brown, Stevens
Last five matches
- Bradford City 3-2 Wimbledon
- Reading 2-1 Wimbledon
- Wimbledon 2-0 Barnsley
- Wimbledon 0-1 Cardiff city
- Reading 1-2 Wimbledon
Stevenage preview: A chance for a rest
While Wimbledon will look at this match as an opportunity to reset, Stevenage will be looking at it as an opportunity to rest key players and give fringe players a run-out. Given how well they have started the campaign, they won't want to lose any momentum and the players who come in will have plenty of motivation.
Predicted lineup: Marshall (GK), Butler, Piergianni, Good, Wildin, White, Houghton, Paterson, Kemp, Roberts, Reid
Last five matches
- Stevenage 1-0 Wycombe
- Huddersfield 1-0 Stevenage
- Port Vale 1-2 Stevenage
- Stevenage 2-0 Northampton
- Charlton 3-1 Stevenage
Player to watch: Jamie Reid
Jamie Reid has had a solid start to the season for Stevenage and scored a brace against Port Vale a couple of weeks ago. He had his best season at this level a couple of years ago when he scored 18 league goals for Stevenage. Can he repeat that this term?