At this weekend’s AFC Wimbledon homecoming, Mike Williamson says Carlisle United needs to adjust to any “external” elements as best they can.
The host team, making their Cherry Red Records Stadium comeback following last month’s flooding, will be celebrating this major event with their game on Saturday in south London.
Remedial work on a severely damaged portion of the pitch was part of the repairs.
That is one of the things Carlisle needs to be mindful of and prepare for, according to United head coach Williamson.
“Yes, there’s going to be little factors like that,” he said.
“You’ve got to weigh it up, and it might have a little change in the way we play and what you’re looking at – but very minimal.
“Obviously both teams are going to have to ensure whatever the external factors are we’ve both got to face it and adapt best.”
It will be a second encounter with Wimbledon for Williamson this season, as the new Blues boss took his MK Dons side to Plough Lane on September 14.
MK suffered a 3-0 defeat in what proved the Dons’ most recent home game – and a fixture which highlighted plenty of the home side’s strengths, Williamson admits.
“When they’ve got their tails up, they want to suffocate you,” he told the News & Star.
“They’re organised, and they’ve got players such as [Omar] Bugiel up top…he’s a real handful. He doesn’t give you a second to rest.
Their expertise at the back also makes things difficult because, if we can’t get through, we’ll circle about and eventually go over. However, it’s really difficult to overcome a team that isn’t giving you a second chance and is playing aggressively.
The afternoon we played them [with MK Dons] was challenging. The event had some significance, and we are aware of how challenging it can be when the place is rocking—much like in Brunton Park when the crowd gets rowdy.
However, we must concentrate on our actions and methods.
