Crawley Town are set to host AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday in a crucial Southern Group B clash in the 2024-25 EFL Trophy, with both teams fighting for valuable points to help boost their chances of advancing in the competition.
The hosts are third in the group with two points from one fixture, while the visitors are top of the standings with three points from their two outings.
Match preview
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Crawley secured their promotion back to League One for the first time since 2014-15 last season, finishing seventh in League Two to qualify for the playoffs and going on to win the semi-finals 8-1 on aggregate against MK Dons and the final against Crewe Alexandra 2-0.
After a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, winning their first three matches and overcoming Brighton & Hove Albion U21 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the EFL Trophy, Crawley have since encountered significant difficulties in their subsequent games.
The Red Devils have failed to win any of their following eight outings, losing seven and drawing just one, while they have also faced the departure of Scott Lindsey, as the manager departed in favour of a move to MK Dons.
Robert Elliot has since been appointed as Crawley's new boss, and the former Newcastle United goalkeeper endured a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers in his first match in charge over the weekend.
With Crawley set to face up against League Two opposition AFC Wimbledon in their next outing, Elliot will be hopeful his side can secure their first win under his tenure.
AFC Wimbledon have had a mixed start to their 2024-25 season, winning seven, losing three and drawing one of their opening 11 matches across all competitions, including a brilliant penalty victory against Ipswich Town in the EFL Cup second round.
They have, however, failed to triumph in any of their last three fixtures, including back-to-back defeats heading into this game, leaving them in a poor run of form.
Johnnie Jackson, who has been in charge since May 2022, will be hopeful that the Wombles will bring an end to that run against a struggling Crawley side, especially given their strong record in this fixture.
AFC Wimbledon have won three of the last five meetings between these two sides, including a 2-1 victory at The People's Pension Stadium last term, a run of results that should give Jackson's men a confidence boost heading into Tuesday's encounter.
Team News
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The hosts are expected to remain without captain Dion Conroy, who is still yet to make his first appearance for the club in 2024-25 after suffering an injury earlier this year.
Joy Mukena could also miss out with injury after the defender was forced off in the 57th minute of their last outing, leaving Charlie Barker likely to start in defence.
Despite suffering defeat to Wycombe in their last game, Elliot is likely to have been encouraged by a promising performance, meaning the new boss could start a similar side here.
Joe Lewis may be unavailable for the visitors after the central defender was brought off in the 55th minute of their defeat to Salford City with a suspected injury.
Elsewhere, Jackson could name a similar team to the one that recorded their last victory against MK Dons last month, with Callum Maycock coming into the starting team.
Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Wollacott; Mullarkey, Barker, Flint; Kelly, Ibrahim, Williams, Forster; Quitirna, Darcy, Swan
AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:
Goodman; Harbottle, Lewis, Ogundere; Neufville, Smith, Maycock, Reeves, Tilley; Bugiel, Stevens
We say: Crawley Town 1-0 AFC Wimbledon
While Crawley have struggled for results in recent weeks, we believe that they have the stronger squad compared to their opponents, who have also faced difficulties in recent outings, suggesting a win for the hosts.
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