Walsall vs AFC Wimbledon predictions, betting tips & match preview

Walsall come in to this season after finishing just a single point away from automatic qualification. As it happens, they lost in the play offs and remain in League One. AFC Wimbledon have won their place in League One after an emphatic 2-0 win in last season’s League Two play off final at Wembley.

Walsall have had an influx of new players sign for them for this coming season. They have seen 10 players move in to the club and 11 players moving out. AFC Wimbledon have sold “The Beast” to Wycombe as well as 7 other players in and around the 1st team squad. They have signed 5 players. 4 from around League One and 1 defender from Scotland in Sean Kelly.

Walsall have not had the ideal preparation for this match. They have played 5 friendlies, won 1, drawn 1 and lost 3. They lost to Derby and Norwich of The Championship, also Notts County of League Two. AFC Wimbledon have had just two friendlies leading up to this fixture. They have won 1 and lost 1. They beat Reading 2-0 at home, but lost 4-3 away to Dover Athletic.

Tom Bradshaw was Walsall’s top scorer last season with 17 goals in 43 games. This was enough to secure a move away from Bank’s Stadium to Barnsley, who have just won promotion to The Championship. So Walsall will hope their new strikers Andreas Makris and Simeon Jackson can fill that void. Lyle Taylor for AFC Wimbledon almost single handedly fired his side into the play offs. He scored 22 goals in 45 appearances and is still with the club for the 2016/17 season. Ade Akinfenwa was next in line but stays in League Two with Wycombe Wanderers.

Walsall have scored 9 goals (1.80 a match) and conceded 8 (1.60 a match) in their last 5 games. AFC Wimbledon have scored 5 (2.50 a match) and conceded 4 (2.00 a match) in their only 2 pre season matches.

Our prediction for this final match preview for the opening round of League One fixtures is a 2-1 victory to Walsall. This correct score tip is at odds of 8/1 with bet365. Walsall will look to build upon last season and gain promotion. They will need a quick start here and with that in mind we are going for Walsall Over 1.5 Team Goals at 5/4 with bet365.