Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. AFC Wimbledon - prediction, team news, lineups

After a seven-game unbeaten run was brought to an end last time out, Bolton Wanderers will aim to get their playoff push back on track when they play host to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

At the other end of the table, the Dons head into the weekend in 20th position, with only a point separating them from the relegation zone.

Match preview

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A 3-1 defeat away to Burton Albion in their latest league contest ended Bolton's impressive unbeaten run after Ian Evatt's side conceded three goals in the opening 18 minutes against the Brewers.

Joe Powell's opener was quickly followed by a John Brayford brace to give the hosts complete control, with the only positive for Bolton being a Dion Charles consolation goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Although one unbeaten run has come to an end, Bolton will look to extend their undefeated home streak to five games on Saturday after collecting four consecutive home victories.

The Trotters scored 12 goals in those four home matches, while they only conceded once in that period, which will instill confidence in the hosts ahead of Saturday's contest.

However, Evatt will be concerned by the fact that his side have conceded the most goals (13) in the opening 15 minutes in League One this season.

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A 12-game winless run has seen Wimbledon dragged into a relegation battle, with the Dons just one point clear of the drop zone.

Mark Robinson's side did pick up a point in their last league fixture when they welcomed Sunderland to Plough Lane.

Luke McCormick gave the Dons the lead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, but an Alex Pritchard effort ten minutes later proved to be the final goal of the encounter, with both managers having to settle for a point apiece.

With five of their last six league games taking place at home, Wimbledon will now head on the road for consecutive away fixtures and after picking up two points from their previous five away league matches, the Dons require an improvement on the road if they are to move away from danger.

A concern for Robinson will be the fact that Wimbledon have conceded 17 away goals in the second half this season, and they will need to remain focused for the full 90 minutes to pick up a positive result on Saturday.

Team News

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The hosts will be without Kieran Lee, Lloyd Isgrove and Elias Kachunga, who will miss Saturday's encounter due to injury issues.

After coming on in the second half to score against Burton Albion, Charles may have earned a place in the Bolton starting lineup.

Gethin Jones was rested last weekend, but he is expected to return to line up in a back three alongside Ricardo Santos and George Johnston.

As for the Dons, they are without McCormick who was sent off late on against Sunderland, while Ayoub Assal is also suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

A dislocated shoulder rules Anthony Hartigan out of Saturday's contest, while Jack Rudoni is also set to miss out after picking up a knock in training.

Sam Cosgrove is still searching for his first goal in a Wimbledon shirt after joining on loan from Birmingham City in January, and the 25-year-old will have the opportunity to break that duck when he makes his fourth appearance for the Dons on Saturday.

Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Trafford; Jones, Santos, Johnston; Fossey, Williams, Sadlier, Dempsey, John; Bodvarsson, Charles

AFC Wimbledon possible starting lineup:

Tzanev; Osew, Heneghan, Nightingale, Brown; Chislett, Marsh, Kalinauskas; Cosgrave, Mebude, Cosgrove

We say: Bolton Wanderers 2-1 AFC Wimbledon

Bolton have proven to be a formidable force at home in recent weeks, and we think that they will claim a fifth consecutive home victory when they face a Wimbledon side that have lost three of their last four away league matches.