AFC Wimbledon vs Southend Predictions

• Southend have conceded more away goals than any other League 1 team this season.
• Southend have scored two or more and conceded two or more in each of their last four league games.
• Only two teams have conceded more shots on target than Wimbledon at home in League 1 this season.

Kingsmeadow the key

Wimbledon’s march away from the relegation area was halted last time out, as they came unstuck against a very good Oxford side, though they did put up a fight and scored in doing so, which is positive given the level of opposition.

Despite losing when last in action, The Dons will probably be feeling upbeat ahead of this match. After all, Glyn Hodges men have done well at home of late. Prior to their defeat against Oxford, Wimbledon were unbeaten in five at home, four of which they won. This match against strugglers Southend provides Hodges’ with the perfect opportunity to regain the winning thread, though they may have to tighten up defensively having kept no clean sheet in their last five.

Shrimpers scrapping

Things haven’t worked out for Southend this season, that’s plain for all to see, though Sol Campbell’s men have shown plenty of fighting spirit in recent weeks, even if it has been largely in vain. The Shrimpers have drawn three of their last five, which given the season they’re having, is pleasing.

What is also pleasing is the number of goals that Southend have been scoring of late. Campbell’s men have notched nine in their last five, scoring twice in each of their last four. They’re still surrendering lots at the other end, but now that they’re scoring with regularity, they’re at east picking up a few points. Unfortunately, they need more than just a few points here and there, as they’re 13 points shy of safety.

Goals on the cards

Wimbledon are no easy side to beat and their form at Kingsmeadow is likely to be what saves them at the end of the season, though the recent form of both teams points towards no shortage of goals when the pair meet on New Year’s Day. Punters can profit by siding with ‘Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score’. Three or more goals have been scored in four of The Dons’ last five, as well as in four of Southend’s last five. Both teams have found the net in nine of those ten. In addition, Wimbledon have granted teams lots of shots at home, conceding an average of 14.82 shots and 5.82 shots on target. Southend have conceded an average of 4.92 shots on target and 15.33 shots on their travels.

Those seeking a ‘Correct Score’ angle can try a 2-1 win for the hosts. Both teams have been scoring and conceding a fair few goals of late, but it is the hosts who’re that bit bitter at grinding out results, especially at home. They’ve won two of their last four by a score-line of 2-1.