The 2025 EFL League Two Playoff Final will see AFC Wimbledon and Walsall compete for the last promotion spot to League One this season. The match, which will take place on Monday, May 26, will take place at Wembley Stadium, with kick-off at 3:00 pm. With three teams already promoted, the winner here will complete the set.
AFC Wimbledon, managed by Johnnie Jackson, finished 5th in League Two this season after flirting with the top three on multiple occasions. They defeated Notts County in the playoff semi-finals, but Walsall will be a sterner test.
Walsall, who ended the season in 4th, looked to be certain for automatic promotion at one stage, with football betting online odds suggesting it would likely be the case. However, after striker Nathan Lowe was recalled by Stoke City, Mat Sadler’s side endured a torrid second half of the season.
The final, which will determine who will join Doncaster Rovers, Port Vale, and Bradford City in the third tier in 2025/26, will be an intriguing watch for many reasons, but especially because Walsall may have found their form again at the right time.
AFC Wimbledon Season Review
Manager Johnnie Jackson guided AFC Wimbledon to a fifth-placed finish in League Two in 2024/25, with the team finishing on 73 points. Everything good about the Dons came from having the foundation of a solid defence, with only 35 goals conceded.
To secure a playoff place, Wimbledon defeated Grimsby Town on the final day of the season, setting up a playoff semi-final clash with Notts County. The Dons won 1-0 away from home at Meadow Lane in the first leg, and then won by the same scoreline in the return leg at Plough Lane.
Throughout the season, Jackson has fostered a great team spirit, and their team unity is arguably why the Dons have been able to reach the playoff final. Players like captain Jake Reeves and forward Matty Stevens have been instrumental, as has defender Ryan Johnson at the back.
Walsall Season Review
Walsall’s 2024/25 campaign has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but it’s finished with them making the League Two Playoff Final. Under Mat Sadler, the Saddlers led the way by 12 points in January. However, their form fell off in the second half of the campaign, and they ended up finishing in the playoffs rather than in the top three.
With Walsall’s form dismal, they headed into the playoff semi-finals against Chesterfield. In the first leg away from home, the Saddlers won 2-0 and gave themselves an excellent chance of making the final. Walsall won the return leg 2-1, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate win.
Nathan Lowe’s goals in the first half of the season were the reason why they managed to open a 12-point lead at the top of the table. However, Taylor Allen was on hand with 17 goal contributions, and will be one of their key players in the final. Allen was also named as Walsall’s Player of the Season.
What Happened When the Two Sides Met This Season?
In the 2024/25 season, AFC Wimbledon and Walsall played each other twice, both times in League Two, and the results are why AFC Wimbledon vs Walsall in the Playoff Final is tipped to go in Walsall’s favour.
The first meeting between the two teams happened at Plough Lane in November, with Walsall taking all three points away with them after a 1-0 win. Of course, the player to make the difference on the day was Nathan Lowe, who scored the decisive goal on 52 minutes. The Dons dominated possession and the shots on goal stats, but couldn’t find a way to victory. There were also seven yellow cards issued in the game.
The second fixture, this time at the Bescot Stadium, occurred in March when Walsall had lost Lowe and were out of form. AFC Wimbledon took the lead on 70 minutes, but Taylor Allen secured the draw when he struck on 87 minutes. Again, the Dons had a large share of possession.
The fact that Walsall won and drew, drawing when they were out of form and without their star striker, will give them a lot of confidence, especially after they look to have found their form once again in the last three matches. However, Wimbledon won’t make it easy for them, especially as they know they can dominate the ball.
History in Playoff Finals
AFC Wimbledon
Since being established in 2002, AFC Wimbledon have appeared in a handful of playoff finals. Their most recent appearance was the League Two Playoff Final at Wembley in 2016, when they defeated Plymouth Argyle 2-0. In 2011, the Dons defeated Luton Town 4-3 on penalties in the Conference Premier Playoff Final at the home of Manchester City following an initial 0-0 draw. Wimbledon have also appeared in several Isthmian League Premier Division Playoff Finals, winning one and losing two.
Walsall
In terms of playoff finals, Walsall haven’t competed in too many. In 2001, they defeated Reading 3-2 at the Millennium Stadium. Like Wimbledon, there’s somewhat of a lack of experience of playing at Wembley and competing in playoff finals. Neither side will really have an advantage on this front.
What to Expect
In playoff finals, it’s usually a case of not knowing what to expect in such a high-pressure match. However, this is the case in the League Two Playoff Final, more so because of Walsall.
In the first half of the season, League Two betting online had Walsall set as firm favourites not only to gain automatic promotion but to win the title. But then Nathan Lowe returned to Stoke and everything changed.
Regardless of form, Walsall are unbeaten against Wimbledon this season, winning once and drawing. However, in both fixtures, the Dons dominated the ball, they had their fair share of shots on target, and proved to be highly competitive.
It’ll suit Walsall for Wimbledon to have the ball at Wembley, but they will need to stop them turning possession into goal-scoring chances. Another interesting element is that matches between the Dons and the Saddlers have been fiercely fought this term, with a lot of yellow cards handed out.
Because of the above, in-play betting will be worth keeping an eye on, with odds updated in real-time.
Conclusion
All the EFL playoff finals will be highly competitive this weekend. The prize on the line is what all the teams are dreaming of, with promotion the reward for a great campaign. However, of the three finals, AFC Wimbledon vs Walsall could be the most difficult to call, which will be great for neutrals and those checking out BetVictor sports betting.
Wimbledon have been steady performers all season, with a resolute defence helping them along the way. Walsall, on the other hand, were the best performers in the first half of the campaign, but disappointing in the second half. If Walsall are back to something like they were previously, they could have too much for the Dons. But still, nobody knows if the Saddlers are back in form or if it’s a flash in the pan.
