Prediction AFC Wimbledon vs Stevenage 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 02/09/2025

Southern Group Stage showdown at Cherry Red Records Stadium

AFC Wimbledon welcome Stevenage to Plough Lane for an EFL Trophy Southern Group Stage clash on 02/09/2025 that promises a tight, competitive contest. The fixture pits two League One sides with contrasting recent momentum under the spotlights: Wimbledon arrive off a narrow 3-2 defeat to Bradford City on 30 August, while Stevenage left their latest outing having shut out Wycombe Wanderers 1-0. With the stadium capable of a lively 9,300 crowd, home advantage will be a factor — but form and confidence could well tilt the balance.

Form and recent meetings paint a finely poised picture

Wimbledon’s last five results read like a rollercoaster: wins and losses have alternated enough to make predicting their next performance tricky. Their string includes a solid 2-0 victory over Barnsley and narrow escapes against Reading earlier in August, yet those mixed outcomes underline an inconsistency that Stevenage will be eager to exploit. Mathew Stevens was singled out as Wimbledon’s standout performer in their most recent loss, registering the best player rating on the day, evidence that the home side still possess attacking spark even when results don’t go their way.

Stevenage, meanwhile, arrive with a touch more stability. Their sequence shows five wins, two draws and three losses in the broader sample, and they carry the momentum of a 1-0 success at home over Wycombe. L. Freestone earned plaudits for his role in that victory, a sign that Stevenage’s recent performances have been driven by decisive individual displays at key moments. Historically the sides played out a 1-1 draw in the EFL Trophy group stage back in 2023, so another tight affair should be expected.

Both teams have reasons for optimism. Wimbledon will lean on familiar surroundings and the lift their supporters provide, while Stevenage will point to superior recent form and a clean sheet in their last match as proof they can travel and frustrate. The market reflects this balance: the bookmakers price Stevenage slightly shorter at 2.50, with Wimbledon at 2.70 and the draw at 3.20 — margins slim enough to indicate a true toss-up.

Prediction and betting suggestion

Given the fine margins but factoring in current momentum, defensive solidity from Stevenage in their latest outing, and their marginally stronger recent run of results, the edge goes to the visitors on this occasion. Expect a close game with moments of intensity, but Stevenage look the more likely side to nick the win away from Plough Lane.

Betting suggestion: Back Stevenage to win (Away) in the 1X2 market at around 2.50.