AFC Wimbledon vs Millwall, FA Cup Fifth Round Preview

2 min

Millwall make the short trip across London to face League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup Fifth Round tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

The Lions head into the encounter with a much depleted squad, with eight first team players potentially unavailable for the Kingsmeadow clash.

Top-scorer Lee Gregory picked up a calf injury in Tuesday night’s goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday and remains a major doubt.

Meanwhile fellow forward Tom Elliott was hoping to be back to face his former side after recovering from a shoulder injury but is still struggling with an illness that also ruled him out of the Lions midweek clash.

And with Fred Onyedinma, Ben Marshall, Ben Thompson and Tom King all cup-tied it would leave just sixteen first teamers available, with George Alexander (son of former striker Gary) and Jethro Hanson likely to feature in the matchday squad.

It could also mean a first start since December 15th for club captain Steve Morison, who was excellent after coming off the bench against Everton in the previous round.

Shane Ferguson will also be hoping to celebrate signing a new contract at the club earlier this week by helping the side to another FA Cup victory – the Northern Irishman’s late double seeing off Hull City in Round Three.

Although the Dons lifted the FA Cup back in 1988 when the ‘Crazy Gang’ beat Liverpool’s ‘Culture Club’, they have fared less well since and is the first time they have reached this stage since re-forming in 2002.

Wally Downes’ side, like Millwall, beat Premier League opposition in West Ham United in the last round but have never beaten the Lions, with the last meeting a 2-2 draw at Kingsmeadow in January 2017.

Wimbledon also have injury concerns of their own with forward Kwesi Appiah appearing to be ruled out.

He was a key player in the Third Round win over Fleetwood Town and has netted seven times in 31 appearances so far this campaign.

With both side struggling in their respective leagues, the FA Cup provides a welcome distraction for both and neither side will have the added worry of a replay due to them being scrapped at this stage of the competition.

Instead, extra-time and penalties could ensue – and it may be tight enough to go the distance.

Prediction: 2-1 Millwall (AET)

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