AFC Wimbledon and Salford City square off on Saturday afternoon with each side looking to bolster their League Two playoff hopes.
There are just four points separating the clubs that sit in fourth and seventh position in the table.
Match preview
© Imago
Although the headlines have previously been dominated by the form of leaders Walsall, it is AFC Wimbledon who are now the top performers in League Two.
Just two defeats have been suffered in 17 matches, with the Dons recording nine victories during that period to keep them in contention for the title.
While Johnnie Jackson will merely be focused on finishing in the top three, there will be belief that they can achieve far more, helped by a further three clean sheets in a row.
AFC Wimbledon have now conceded just 20 goals in 29 league fixtures, a defensive record that is second only to the incredible rearguard action being produced by Championship side Burnley.
Only nine goals have been conceded at Plough Lane, the most recent of four consecutive home wins coming by a 3-0 scoreline versus Crewe Alexandra.
© Imago
Having initially struggled to recover from conceding eight times against Manchester City in the FA Cup, Salford are seemingly back on track.
After three draws in succession against Newport County, Walsall and Bromley, Karl Robinson's team finally returned to winning ways last time out.
A 2-0 victory was posted against lowly Tranmere Rovers, Salford keeping their first clean sheet since a run of six shutouts in a row up until January 4.
Now back in the playoff spots, there is an opportunity to make further headway up the standings and take points off a promotion rival in the process.
Team News
© Imago
Jackson could be content to select the same AFC Wimbledon XI having had the chance to rest five of his players during the closing stages against Crewe.
Matty Stevens took his tally to 15 league goals with a double in that game, while strike partner Omar Bugiel provided his first contribution in the final third since December 7 with an assist.
Meanwhile, it is also plausible that Robinson could retain the same Salford starting lineup on the back of an equally-routine win over Tranmere.
If a change is made, Kylian Kouassi may drop out of the attack to accommodate a recall for Francis Okoronkwo.
AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:
Goodman; Ogundere, Lewis, Johnson; Neufville, Reeves, Smith, Tilley; Browne; Bugiel, Stevens
Salford City possible starting lineup:
Jones; Mnoga, Negru, Garbutt; Warrington; Taylor, Lund, Fornah, Adelakun; Stockton, Kouassi
We say: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Salford City
With both teams having put together unbeaten runs of late, this has all the makings of being a highly-competitive encounter. Taking that into consideration, we are backing a low-scoring draw, a result that does not really suit either side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
