Plymouth Argyle prepare to host AFC Wimbledon at Home Park on Saturday as League One leaders for the first time this season. The Pilgrims sit first with 16 points from nine games, aiming to extend a head-to-head record that has seen them win four of the last six meetings.
Their recent form shows three wins from the last five, including a 2-0 victory at Leyton Orient last weekend. This strong run was preceded by a dramatic 2-2 draw with Newport County, where Aribim Pepple and Tyreeq Bakinson found the net.
Opposition analysis
AFC Wimbledon arrive in Plymouth unbeaten in their last four league games and claiming the joint-best defensive record in the division with five clean sheets. They sit ninth in the table, having scored just six goals across their eight matches. Manager Johnnie Jackson, in charge for over four years, has built a side that is difficult to break down but struggles in attack. Their defensive solidity is built on a compact shape, with the team allowing opponents an average of just 12 goal minutes of clear chances per game, the third-lowest figure in League One.
Key matchups
The game is likely to be decided in the air. Wimbledon striker Jayden Stockley, 33, has contested more aerial duels than any player in the league this season and has scored two headed goals. Forty-one percent of the Dons' expected goals have come from set pieces, the third-highest rate in League One. This poses a direct challenge to a Plymouth defence with an aerial duel success rate of 47%, ranking 16th.
Their goalkeeper, Joe Bursik, has been exceptional since joining on deadline day. The Portsmouth loanee has conceded only once in the league and has prevented more goals than any other keeper in the division this season, despite facing high-quality chances. His presence adds another layer of difficulty for a Plymouth attack that has already been frustrated in recent home games.
Individual battles will be key. Alistair Smith has made more tackles than any Wimbledon player, while Steve Seddon leads League One with 70 crosses attempted. Plymouth will need to be disciplined to limit these supply lines, particularly given their own vulnerability from wide areas. The midfield contest will also be key, with Argyle's Morgan Whittaker looking to add to his four league goals. Check the latest standings to see how the table could shift this weekend.
The match kicks off at 12:30pm on Saturday, with Plymouth looking to stay at the summit and overcome a stubborn opponent that has proven hard to beat.
