AFC Wimbledon vs Walsall FC League Two playoff final (26-05-2025) – Preview, Head to Head Stats, Prediction and Betting Tips.

AFC Wimbledon and Walsall go head-to-head at Wembley on Monday in the League Two playoff final, with promotion to League One hanging in the balance. With both sides known for their recent defensive solidity, fans may be in for a tense, tight affair.

Team Form

Wimbledon arrive in excellent shape, having won their last three League Two matches without conceding a goal. The Dons edged past Notts County with two 1-0 wins in the semifinals, extending a run that’s seen them let in just one goal across their last eight fixtures. Manager Johnnie Jackson has built a resolute side that seems to peak at just the right time, reminiscent of their 2016 Wembley triumph.

Walsall, on the other hand, have shown impressive resilience to recover from a frustrating end to their regular season. After blowing a 12-point cushion and missing out on automatic promotion, the Saddlers regrouped to see off Chesterfield 4-1 on aggregate in the playoffs. That emphatic result puts them in a strong mental space heading into the final.

Stats or Trends

This will be the third meeting between the sides this season, and if the previous encounters are any indication, fans should brace for a low-scoring battle. Both of those earlier matches featured under 2.5 goals, in line with Wimbledon’s recent pattern of grinding out narrow wins. Their last three matches have ended 1-0, and over 2.5 goals has not been a trend they’ve followed of late.

Walsall, though more expansive in their semifinal performance, have also relied on defensive stability for much of their campaign. They remain unbeaten in their two league meetings with Wimbledon this season, with a win and a draw to their name.

Injuries or Players to Watch

Wimbledon will be without Sam Hutchinson, whose health scare after scoring on the final day of the season has sidelined him indefinitely. In better news, centre-back Riley Harbottle is expected to be fit despite a groin issue, while striker Josh Neufville remains a key figure after his vital goal in the semifinal.

Walsall receive a timely boost with Connor Barrett returning from suspension. Meanwhile, Albert Adomah has given manager Mat Sadler food for thought after registering two assists off the bench. Charlie Lakin, who once played for Wimbledon, also made a statement with his semifinal goal.

One point of intrigue for Wimbledon is the absence of Omar Bugiel in the second leg against Notts County. Marcus Browne partnered Matty Stevens in his place and may keep his spot at Wembley.

Prediction

All signs point toward a nervy, closely contested final. Wimbledon’s rock-solid defence and Walsall’s recent momentum suggest a game of fine margins. With history, stats, and current form taken into account, a 1-1 draw looks the likeliest outcome, pushing the final into extra time where nerves and fitness could determine who joins League One next season.

Get full coverage of Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland and more League Two predictions as the EFL playoff drama reaches its final act.