Walsall vs AFC Wimbledon

Posted Friday, August 05, 2016 by PA

Walsall's new record signing Andreas Makris could feature in their season-opener against AFC Wimbledon.

The striker joined for around B#300,000 from Anorthosis Famagusta this week to break a 37-year transfer record set in 1979 when the Saddlers paid Birmingham B#175,000 for Alan Buckley.

Simeon Jackson, Josh Ginnelly, Jason McCarthy, Erhun Oztumer, Joe Edwards and Franck Moussa could all make their debuts after joining in the summer following Jon Whitney's appointment as permanent manager.

Former Stoke midfielder Florent Cuvelier stands by to start his third spell at the Saddlers having rejoined them following previous loans between 2012 and 2013.

Neal Ardley has a fully fit squad to chose from as Wimbledon make their debut in Sky Bet League One.

The Dons have brought in several players over the summer transfer window. Striker Tyrone Barnett, who signed after terminating his contract with Shrewsbury, is expected to start on Saturday.

Wimbledon were promoted to League One for the first time in the club's history after a 2-0 win over Plymouth in the play-off final in May.

It remains to be seen whether defender Ryan Sweeney is involved against Walsall, after Premier League side Stoke agreed a fee to take the defender to the Potteries.