AFC Wimbledon vs Stevenage - League One

The history between AFC Wimbledon and Stevenage lends this League One fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on October 3, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. It has not been a daunting fixture list but there are signs that Mourinho has found a way to get the best from an increasingly stacked Madrid squad.

The standings paint a clear picture: AFC Wimbledon in 7th, Stevenage in 9th, and both keen to climb. AFC Wimbledon have held their own of late, WWLWD in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 50%. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, WWDDL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 33.33%. The contrast in attacking output — 0.83 versus 1.83 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. If he finds a way of those three players gelling and playing together - making one of them run in beyond - then Chelsea will have a very good season.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. AFC Wimbledon favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Stevenage are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman J. Marriott, whose 6 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Priske's winner against Swansea came after a set-piece found Vicente and he squared the ball for the striker.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. The weight of evidence points to AFC Wimbledon, and a 3-2 win for the hosts feels like the most probable outcome. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The 22-year-old was likely quite high up on the list of United's midfield targets and potentially even higher after Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga blows.