Our betting expert has three tips for the League Two play-off final between Walsall and AFC Wimbledon on Monday (kick-off 3.01pm). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.
By Luke Seychell
- Walsall to win @ 19/10 with BetMGM
- AFC Wimbledon Under 10.5 Shots @ Evens with Sky Bet
- BetBuilder: Owen Goodman 3+ Saves/Taylor Allen 1+ Shots/Half With Most Goals (Tie) @ 10/1 with bet365
Walsall set to saddle up for promotion ride
Six League Two play-off finals have finished 0-0 after 90 minutes, four of the last 10 have needed at least extra-time to find a winner, and it would be absolutely no surprise if the climax of the 2024/25 campaign goes the distance and beyond.
It’s so hard to find a natural favourite between fourth-placed Walsall and AFC Wimbledon, who finished one place and four points behind the Saddlers.
Head-to-head form suggests Walsall as they took four points off the Wombles this season.
End-of-season form is less clear cut, Wimbledon having won only four of their last 16 regular-season games, while Walsall won a mere three of their last 21. That included a 13-game winless run.
In the play-offs, however, both have looked strong with the Dons eking out home-and-away 1-0 wins over Notts County, while the Saddlers won 2-0 at Chesterfield and beat them 2-1 at home.
Wimbledon boast the best defensive record in the league with keeper Owen Goodman and his team chalking up a league-high 23 clean sheets with just 35 goals conceded.
On the flip side, they were the lowest scorers in the top nine – and by all accounts are going to be missing frontman Omar Bugiel – whereas Walsall were the top scorers in the section despite themselves being a very un-gung-ho type of side. That ultimately could be the key.
- League Two Play-off Final Tip 1: Walsall to win @ 19/10 with BetMGM
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Defence the best form of attack for dour Dons
AFC Wimbledon did it the hard way getting to Wembley, soaking up pressure galore over two legs against Notts County.
At Meadow Lane they mustered only 10 shots in a 1-0 win and at home – again winning 1-0 – they had just eight.
Walsall give up just 9.4 shots per game this season and they can limit Johnnie Jackson’s men to under 10.5 shots on Monday.
- League Two Play-off Final Tip 2: AFC Wimbledon Under 10.5 Shots @ Evens with Sky Bet
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Goodman to earn his corn once again
Dons keeper Owen Goodman has starred for his club this season, playing every game and keeping 23 clean sheets.
He has been making big saves all season and should be backed to make at least another three to keep Jamille Matt and co at bay at Wembley.
Make Goodman to produce three or more saves the first component of a three-leg Bet Builder which works out at 10/1.
Leg two is Saddlers defender Taylor Allen having one shot or more.
The 24-year-old had never scored more than three goals in a single season before this term in which he has found the net 11 times. Being on penalty-taking duties helps, but he also roams forward under Mat Sadler and has strikes from distance in his locker as well.
Finally, it’s not beyond the realms that this could end 0-0. To that end, take the tie for the half with most goals.
- League Two Play-off Final Tip 3: BetBuilder: Owen Goodman 3+ Saves/Taylor Allen 1+ Shots/Half With Most Goals (Tie) @ 10/1 with bet365
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