Team news and view of Wimbledon manager Glyn Hodges ahead of Cobblers clash

AFC Wimbledon manager Glyn Hodges will have close to a fully-strength squad to pick from when his side make the trip to Northampton for Saturday's first game of the season.

New signing Ollie Palmer remains sidelined with a groin injury while midfielder Jack Rudoni also misses out.

“Ollie has had two weeks back," said Hodges. "We’ve been working him hard and he’s been pushing himself. He hasn’t had the minutes that the others have had and we are trying to arrange a game for him next week, but he’s still available if we need to use him. I probably didn’t expect him to be back this early, but he’s come back well.

“Jack got concussion in the first game of pre-season against Corinthian Casuals, and it’s been a slow one. We can’t push him as it takes time. He’s on the bike and getting going again. Hopefully, he comes through.”

Speaking about facing the Cobblers, Hodges told the club's website "It'll be a competitive game. They had a brilliant season last year and we saw how good they were in the play-offs.

"They've made some changes in their squad since then but the way they play, it will be a tough, tough game and a hard one for us to start the season.

“It’s going to be really hard (to pick a starting XI). There are going to be some disappointed lads, but we have a good squad and everyone is going to be needed.

"We are going to have to get everyone buying into the idea that they might not be in the team, but they still need to support the lads in it. We are going to need everyone at some stage, so they need to hide their disappointment and wish the lads all the best. If we can stick together as a group and get that in place we will be far better off.

“Eleven players went out the door, so we’ve had to rebuild. It’s been tough, but good because we are really pleased with the acquisitions. We’ve had players with a few tweaks, but we are going in there with almost a fully fit squad to choose from.

"The seven-and-a-half week pre-season has gone really well with no injuries, so the squad is fit and strong and we are looking forward to it.”