Starting with the hosts, coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last season as they sacrificed their Championship status with a whimper, Cardiff have their sights firmly set on booking an immediate second-tier return this time around. Last seen over the weekend putting in a dominant display as they cruised their way to an empathic 3-0 victory at home against Mansfield, Brian Barry-Murphy's camp are enjoying what has quickly become a real flurry.
Image source, Getty Images AFC Wimbledon say their current ownership model is not sustainable for competing in the EFL and they are in talks with investors to sell a minority stake in the club. The Dons have announced an operating loss of 600,000 and project finances "will become very tight at the end of this season"., external Board members said that "despite the constant generosity of our fans and bond holders, competing in the EFL at Plough Lane with our current structure is not currently sustainable".
With the mood around Plough Lane at a red-hot high, the Wombles have rightfully received a string of plaudits. Last seen putting in another eye-catching performance as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Blackpool, the former Charlton boss has seen his squad skyrocket their way into the play-off places. Knowing that they can move within touching distance of top spot here, AFC Wimbledon have remarkably won all of their previous five straight appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-4.
With four goals in his opening seven appearances, Jackson said his striker started the season with "a point to prove". "He was there week in, week out and I didn't feel the team functioned as well without him. So probably partly down to me playing him so much that he had a little bit of a drop off," Jackson told BBC Radio London.