AFC Wimbledon vs Millwall preview: Dons missing trio for FA Cup fifth-round clash

Image: AFC Wimbledon's fourth-round hero Kwesi Appiah has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Millwall

AFC Wimbledon will be without Steve Seddon, Kwesi Appiah and James Hanson at home to Millwall in the FA Cup on Saturday.

On-loan left-back Seddon, who scored the Dons' winner in the league against Walsall on Saturday, cannot play in the competition as he is cup-tied.

The fifth-round tie with the Lions comes too soon for Appiah, who is still struggling with a hamstring injury he suffered in a 2-0 defeat to Burton on February 9.

Fellow striker Hanson is back in training after a groin problem, but he, too, will not be ready in time.

Image: Wimbledon will hope to repeat their fourth-round win over West Ham when they entertain the Hammers' fierce rivals

Millwall will be without cup-tied midfield trio Ben Marshall, Fred Onyedinma and Ben Thompson.

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Forward Tom Elliott could face his former club if he recovers from illness.

Lee Gregory will also be assessed, having been forced off late in the midweek goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday because of cramp.

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Goalkeeper Ben Amos has returned to training following a finger injury; right-back Conor McLaughlin (quad) also continues his recovery, while Tom Bradshaw (ACL) is a long-term absentee.

AFC Wimbledon manager Wally Downes believes his side is capable of winning the FA Cup this season ahead of their last-16 tie against Millwall

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  • AFC Wimbledon have never beaten Millwall in any competition, drawing two and losing two of their four meetings.
  • The only previous FA Cup encounter between Millwall and AFC Wimbledon was the first meeting between the sides - Millwall winning 4-1 in the first round in 2009-10 while the Dons were a non-league side.
  • This is the furthest AFC Wimbledon have ever made it in the FA Cup. They have already eliminated two London sides in the competition this season (Haringey Borough in round one and West Ham in round four).
Scott Wagstaff follows through on his promise to dye his beard blue and yellow if Wimbledon beat West Ham in the FA Cup
  • Millwall have reached the FA Cup quarter-final in two of their last six seasons (2012-13 and 2016-17). However, they have been eliminated from four of their last six ties against lower league opposition in the competition.
  • Millwall's last three victories in the FA Cup have seen them concede the first goal, including both matches so far this season.
  • AFC Wimbledon's Kwesi Appiah has had a hand in six goals in his last six FA Cup appearances (4 goals, 2 assists), both scoring and assisting in each of the last two rounds.

Merson's prediction

Merson's FA Cup predictions

Chelsea, Man Utd, Man City and Watford in all in FA Cup action - but who is the Magic Man tipping this weekend?

Wimbledon will make it hard. They will not lay down like West Ham did. They will play a strong team. Millwall have already knocked out Everton. I think Millwall go through and will have a bit too much for Wimbledon - probably in extra-time.

MERSE PREDICTS: 1-2 in extra-time (8/1 with Sky Bet)

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