All change again for Dons clash

IMPACT OPTION? . . . striker Freddie Ladapo bagged his third goal of the season at Blackburn in midweek

ATHLETIC will bring out the big guns again tomorrow, after keeping key men out of the firing line at Blackburn.

Skipper Peter Clarke is set to pull on the armband for the visit of AFC Wimbledon, as Athletic welcome the club for the first time since they reformed.

Paul Green (calf) remains doubtful, but there could be recalls for Cameron Dummigan (pictured above right, inset) at right-back and Ryan McLaughlin on the right flank as boss Stephen Robinson bids to stay on the goals trail following double-strikes in both recent cup matches.

Brian Wilson, Josh Law and Jamie Reckord could be the players to make way while up front, there is also a decision to make.

Lee Erwin was rested at Blackburn but may well feature in Calaum Jahraldo-Martin's spot.

CONTENT

Even though Freddie Ladapo joined Erwin, Billy Mckay and Ryan Flynn on three goals for the season with a well-taken finish as a substitute at Blackburn, he may have to be content to remain as an option for impact on the bench along with Lee Croft.

"Freddie looked bright and he looked sharp," said Robinson of the on-loan Crystal Palace striker, whose current deal runs out on January 2 with an option to extend it for the rest of the season.

"Freddie has been in professional football for a short, short period of time.

"He is still very much learning the game. Off the ball, Freddie has to improve, but on it he is a threat. He is quick and we have to keep trying to improve him with every game.

"Paul Green wouldn't have played anyway at Blackburn (had he been fit) and Peter Clarke didn't.

"Cameron Dummigan and Ryan McLaughlin, we were able to take out of the firing line which was great for us.

"We have got a young squad and it was good for them to keep the unbeaten run going.

"We are scoring and creating chances, which is very positive."

The 2-2 draw and victory on penalties at Blackburn meant Athletic finished on five points in their Checkatrade Trophy group, behind winners Carlisle.

The club have landed a tie in the last 32 away at Walsall on the week beginning Monday, December 5.

There is as-yet no date set for the FA Cup second-round tie at Lincoln City, which could be moved from Saturday, December 3, for television purposes.

For now, though, Athletic are fully concentrating on the league and as far as Robinson is concerned, there is reason for optimism at present.

POSITIVITY

"You only ever hear of the negative things in football, unfortunately," he said.

"We have won five out of eight games (including Blackburn), so there should be a positivity around the place.

"There certainly is in the dressing room - but they want more. They know we are still better than we have shown so far, collectively.

"We have shown it in patches and in 60 minutes rather than 90 minutes at times.

"That is our aim and to keep the consistency going.

"Wimbledon is very much a big game for us."

Carl Winchester (hamstring) is a doubt for the game.

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Ripley; Dummigan, Clarke, Burgess, Dunne; McLaughlin, Fane, Banks, Flynn; Erwin, Mckay.

Subs (from): Kettings, Law, Wilson, Reckord, Winchester, Klok, Osei, Croft, Jahraldo-Martin, Ladapo.