Walsall meet AFC Wimbledon in the 2024-25 season-closing Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final.
Walsall are looking to end their six-season stay in the fourth-tier and return to League One after a six-year absence, whilst AFC Wimbledon seek a third-tier return after three years in League Two.
Team News
Walsall have no fresh injury concerns to report with a near-full squad available for selection, except for Priestley Farquharson (thigh) and Ellis Harrison (hamstring) who both remain absent.
AFC Wimbledon have no fresh injury concerns to report as Sam Hutchinson remains sidelined due to illness, which saw him miss their two 1-0 wins over Notts County in the play-off semi-finals.
When is Kick-Off?
Walsall meet AFC Wimbledon at Wembley Stadium, London, on Monday 26 May at 3:01pm BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Walsall’s first-ever EFL Play-Off meeting against AFC Wimbledon.
- AFC Wimbledon have won just two of their last six meetings against Walsall (W2, D1, L3).
- All three goals in both league meetings between Walsall and AFC Wimbledon this season came in the second half.
- Walsall won their only previous Play-Off Final appearance which came against Reading in 2000-01 Second Division, as the Saddlers came from behind twice to prevail 3-2 after extra-time.
- AFC Wimbledon are yet to lose a play-off campaign in their history across all divisions (W3), during which they kept clean sheets in their last two such play-off final appearances.
Prediction
Having comfortably seen off Chesterfield 4-1 on aggregate in their play-off semi-final and won their last three games, Walsall have found their form once again and will surely come into this game full of confidence after a late-season 13-match winless slump cost them automatic promotion.
AFC Wimbledon meanwhile have a superb play-off record across all leagues and I was impressed at their gutsy defensive displays against Notts County with a clinical attacking edge, which will give them massive belief that they can prove problematic for Walsall if defend resiliently and take their chances.
Nevertheless, I expect a strong battle between two strong teams as Walsall are the more attacking but AFC Wimbledon’s defence has proven tough to break down, so this does feel destined for at least extra time given how close the regular season games were.
AFC Wimbledon fans also will be aware that in the Championship and League One Play-Off Finals this weekend, the team in the West End of the stadium have prevailed which is ominous but I do feel that this could go to penalties with Walsall possibly ending any hope of a Wembley West End hat-trick this season.
Prediction: Walsall 1-1 AFC Wimbledon (Walsall to win on penalties)
Result: Walsall 0-1 AFC Wimbledon