Bristol Rovers vs AFC Wimbledon Predictions

• Bristol Rovers are unbeaten in two games since the departure of Graham Coughlan.
• Bristol Rovers are without a permanent manager following Coughlan’s choice to leave and join Mansfield.
• Only Bolton have accumulated fewer travelling points than AFC Wimbledon in League One this term.

Home is where the heart is

The departure of Graham Coughlan, who was doing such a good job at Memorial Stadium, came somewhat out of the blue, but it is yet to rock Rovers significantly. The side who currently occupy a place in the coveted top four emerged victorious in the FA Cup on the day it was announced Coughlan was taking over at Mansfield, while they performed steadily to draw with fellow play-off hopefuls and division top scorers Peterborough last weekend.

They may not have scored, which is never pleasing, but they did stop Posh from finding the net, which as many teams at this level can confirm, takes some doing. In general, Bristol Rovers have done very well this term. It’s tough to know what to expect from them once a new manager is appointed, but based on what they’ve done so far, it’s fair to say they’re certainly one of the sides that looks likely to be involved in the play-off mix.

At home, they’re very tough to beat, as one defeat in 11 suggests. Having notched six in two at this venue prior to drawing with a strong Peterborough team, they’re also tough to defend against.

Dons must improve on the road

While Bristol Rovers have done quite well at home this term, AFC Wimbledon have struggled on their travels, winning just one in 11, losing nine of the other 10.

Unlike a lot of teams who struggle away from home, Wimbledon have scored a very respectable amount on the road, notching 13 times in 11 away games, failing to score on only three occasions. They have slowed down in front of goal of late, which is a result of poor creativity mainly, but their biggest problem is at the other end of proceedings.

Glyn Hodges’ men have conceded 21 away goals this season. Only two teams in the league have conceded more. They’ve shipped two or more in eight of 11 on the road. Therein lies their biggest problem.

Both to register?

In the betting, ‘Both Teams to Score – NO’ holds plenty of appeal. Bristol Rovers have conceded some goals at home this term, but they’ve made a habit of shutting teams out too, as they’ve kept five clean sheets. Moreover, AFC Wimbledon have notched in just one of their last four on the road and have generally struggled to get going offensively, registering an average of 2.75 shots on target in their last four on the road. Both teams have also scored in less than half of Bristol Rovers’ home games this term.

In the ‘Correct Score’ market, a 2-0 home win appeals. Wimbledon’s recent attacking efforts on the road don’t exactly point to them doing well offensively, but their defensive efforts suggest Rovers can notch twice. After all, Wimbledon have conceded multiple goals in eight of 11 away from home, conceding exactly twice in six of those eight.