MATCH PREVIEW | AFC Wimbledon vs Swindon Town

Swindon hope to make it three wins in a row when they travel to take on AFC Wimbledon this weekend.

Their victory over Accrington Stanley earned them a second away win of the season. Amongst a turn in form, Swindon’s star man Jake Young is in a fine vain of form, with seven goals in six games earning him a second League Two Player of The Month award.

A win over Wimbledon will see Swindon move back into the playoff spots should results go their way. In this preview, we will explore the lessons learnt from Accrington and the possibility of losing their two biggest stars in January.

How Swindon can learn from Accrington

Swindon have not played since the 28th of November, so have had plenty of time to look over the many positives and negatives of their 4-3 win over Accrington Stanley. For 91 minutes Swindon put in one of their best performances of the season finding four goals and being firmly in control. 

However, two late substitutions threw the game into absolute chaos. Michael Flynn’s decision to take off George McEachran and Harrison Minturn for youngsters Jaxon Brown and Sonny Hart gave the hosts a way back into the game and the young lads just couldn’t cope. 

Accrington scored three goals in ten minutes of added time and should have levelled from kick-off after keeper Murphy Mahoney messed up a backpass and the host's effort had to be cleared off the line to deny an equaliser. 

Swindon took away the three points but a valuable lesson should have been learnt. A game is never won until the final whistle, and taking off two players of your spine is a terrible choice that should not be repeated.  

Dan Kemp and Jake Young's futures

If you are looking to name the players who have been standouts for this Swindon side then Jake Young and Dan Kemp are easily the two players you would point to. The pair's numbers have been incredible and are far ahead of the rest of the squad.

Goals Scored:

Jake Young - 16 (League Two Top Scorer)

Dan Kemp - 10 

Charlie Austin - 5

Assists:

Dan Kemp - 8 (Second most in League Two)

Remeao Hutton / Charlie Austin - 5 

Jake Young - 4

Goal Contributions (Goals + Assists):

Jake Young - 20 (Most in League Two)

Dan Kemp - 18 (Second most in League Two)

Charlie Austin - 10

It's clear to see the impact that Young and Austin have had on this Swindon side, and how without them Swindon would be sorely lacking in the attacking department. The possibility that MK Dons and Bradford decide to recall their men is a big one. 

Swindon boss Michael Flynn spoke on this in his press conference and said: “It has been on the forefront of my mind for months.” Dan Kemp was also at the press conference and when asked about the possibility of a recall he said: “It is not something that I can really think about as it is out of my control. My full focus is on here and playing well for Swindon.” 

Kemp also highlighted that he had played for a few clubs already in his career but has never found the same level of success that he has seen so far this season at Swindon.

The midfielder has spoken highly of how much he is enjoying his football at Swindon and he forced through the loan move, so if there is any chance of a permanent deal Swindon should jump at it. 

Keeping Young and Kemp should be the big goal of January whilst also bringing in reinforcements, but losing the dynamic duo would spell disaster for Swindon’s season hopes. 

We have a full profile of Dan Kemp’s journey from Chelsea academy to being Swindon's leading man. 

Head-to-head

Swindon most recently played AFC Wimbledon back in April where they won 5-1. The sides have faced off three other times in recent years, with Wimbledon winning on two occasions and the other being a 0-0 draw. 

Match Prediction