AFC Wimbledon coach looks ahead to 'massive' Carlisle United game

While the Blues are looking to strengthen their hold on third place in south London, the hosts are hoping to make up ground on the play-off places.

With Carlisle set to be backed by an impressive 1,000-strong support at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, a good atmosphere awaits.

And Skiverton says there is plenty to look forward to.

“We’re at home, we’ll have close to a sell-out, and the atmosphere at Plough Lane has been electric, ever since that first month and a half [of the season] that we’ve got over,” he said.

“It’s a real fortress and we’ve got to make sure it continues to be so.

“There’s been a few changes within our squad, and one or two from their [Carlisle’s] squad too with the additions of people like Joe Garner.

“They will have been the same as us last weekend – disappointed with their result, on the back of a 1-0 loss to Harrogate.

“But they played well, and they’ve been on a fantastic run of form. I think our forms have been quite similar, albeit they’ve scored a lot more goals. They’re the top scorers in the division.

“For us it’s about knowing their threats – they’re very good side, the way they set up, they’ve got a very good manager in Paul Simpson, and we know it’s going to be a massive game for both teams.”

Skiverton, speaking in a club interview, says the priority in training at 13th-placed Wimbledon this week has been on increasing their goal threat.

Harry Pell (Image: PA)

Johnnie Jackson’s side have been defensively impressive in recent weeks, conceding just once in their last four games – but only scoring twice in that time too.

“We’ve been focusing on our quality in the final third,” said Skiverton.

“Last weekend [a 1-0 defeat at Leyton Orient] we were really frustrated because the chances we created were cutting-edge.

“It was as a compliment from their staff to say only one or two teams have gone there with that attacking intent.

“We’ve nailed down our attacking threats and trying to make sure we score more than one goal on a Saturday.

“We’ve been threatening it but we haven’t got to rely on one or two people for goals, it’s got to come from all areas.”

Skiverton also highlighted the value of Harry Pell – a player who has clashed with the Blues in the past.

Pell was on the receiving end of stick from Carlisle’s players whilst with Colchester in 2018, the Blues rubbing it in after a 4-0 victory – having claimed Pell was dishing it out when the squads met at a Christmas party in Dublin.

The 31-year-old can often wind up opponents but Skiverton said he is an asset.

“Since Harry’s come in it’s brought a different dynamic,” he said. “We’re going there to compete, not to play pretty football and get beat.

“If opposition can’t handle it it’s up to them – we’re concerned with our players bringing our best, showing our supporters effort, hard tackles, high pressing and making sure they’re fighting for the badge.

“When people say he divides opinion I hope it’s not in our supporters because the lad gives 100 per cent.”