Preview: Chelsea Under-21s

All you need to know ahead of Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy Round 2 clash...

6 December 2017

mkdons.com previews tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy fixture against Chelsea Under-21s at Stadium MK.

Robbie Neilson’s side will be looking to reach the Quarter-Final stages of the Checkatrade Trophy for the first time since its rebrand as they host Chelsea Under-21st in Round 2 of the Checkatrade Trophy.

MK Dons returned to winning ways last Saturday as they came from behind the defeat Maidstone United 4-1 in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup. Kieran Agard found the net less than two minutes into his substitute appearance with Aidan Nesbitt and Peter Pawlett also finding the back of the cup victory.

Neilson will be looking to make it two consecutive cup victories and guide his side into the Quarter-Final stages of the competition.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm.

Chelsea Under-21s are more commonly known as the Development Squad in and around the London sides Cobham training ground. Neil Bath’s side currently occupy 9th place in the Premier League 2 – Division 1 table after recording two wins, five draws and suffering four defeats.

Their side is littered with a number of players who have experienced both Premier League and international football boasting the likes of Dujon Sterling, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kylian Hazard - the younger brother of Eden.

Chelsea qualified for Round 2 of the competition having not lost a game in 90 minutes during their Sothern Group D campaign. They did, however, lose on penalties to Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town before defeating Exeter City in their final Group Stage game.

MK Dons scored four second-half goals to beat Maidstone United at Stadium MK and progress through to the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

Maidstone led at the break courtesy of Magnus Okuonghae’s tap in but winger Aidan Nesbitt drew the Dons level with a fine finish nine minutes into the second half.

Kieran Agard then came off the bench to score twice before fellow substitute Peter Pawlett put the seal on a comprehensive victory with a late goal - his first for the Football Club.

Meanwhile, Chelsea Under-21s last game was their 3-1 Checkatrade Trophy win over Exeter City in late November.

Reuben Reid headed Exeter in front but the Grecians were ahead for less than 25 minutes as Callum Hudson-Odoi capitalised on some loose defending to level the score by the break. Reece James headed against the woodwork after the restart but made no mistake in the air with 20 minutes remaining before Josh Grant sealed the points late on.

Robbie Neilson: “Joe’s team is littered with fantastic young talent, some of whom have been involved with the first team and others who have international experience. We are expecting a competitive evening.

“Tonight is the second of three successive matches here at Stadium MK and there is an opportunity for us to make it two wins out of two, following the Emirates FA Cup success on Saturday.”

Neil Bath: “It should be the toughest game we’ve had so far in the competition. We’ve seen MK Dons over a number of years develop a reputation as a team that likes to play football so we know it will be a big challenge for us but I’m sure when they see our team sheet and the experience we’ve added to the group, that will add a bit of motivation for them as well.”

Osman Sow (ankle) is nearing the end of his rehab programme, however, today’s clash with Chelsea will come too soon for the striker, meanwhile the same applies to both Callum Brittain and Alex Gilbey who missed Saturday’s win over Maidstone United - the Dons will also be without Ousseynou Cisse (knee).

There was no place for Ethan Ampadu in either Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League side or their Champions League side meaning the Welsh international may feature at Stadium MK. Neil Bath may also use the tie to give minutes to Charly Musonda, Kenedy, Jake Clarke-Salter and Kyle Scott.

Gavin Ward will referee tonight’s fixture at Stadium MK.

Mr Ward has been involved within the professional game since 2006 and throughout his career, he has overseen 15 MK Dons games during his career.

The Surrey-born official has so far this season officiated 20 games and has produced 52 yellow cards and two reds.

The assistant referees are Nicholas Cooper and Andrew Newbold while the fourth official is Ben Cooke.

There have been no previous meetings between MK Dons and Chelsea Under-21s, however, we have faced the senior side in the Emirates FA Cup in 2016 losing 5-1 with both Eden Hazard and Oscar scoring.

Result
MK Dons win – 17/10
Draw – 5/2
Chelsea Under-21s win – 6/4

Correct Score
MK Dons to win 2-1 – 9/1

Sky Bet tip
Both Teams to Score and MK Dons to win – 7/2

*all odds correct at the time of writing

Create a Sky Bet account today and enjoy some fantastic offers – click HERE to register!

All supporters can watch the match LIVE on iFollow MK Dons for just £5. Current iFollow MK Dons Monthly/Season pass subscribers can watch the game as part of their current package - click HERE for more information!

Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s Match Centre, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 6:45pm.

There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!

A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.

Match Reports

Report: MK Dons 0-4 Chelsea U21

The men from MK1 exit the Checkatrade Trophy...

6 December 2017

A brace from Belgian international Michy Batshuayi helped Chelsea Under-21s to a 4-0 victory at Stadium MK - a result which saw MK Dons exit the Checkatrade Trophy

Neilson made a number of changes to his starting XI, handing starts to the likes of Wieger Sietsma, Robbie Muirhead and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

His team lined up against a Chelsea Under-21s side which included Belgium international Mitchy Batshuayi as its frontman - just 24 hours after featuring in the UEFA Champions League for the first team - and a number of other first-team Blues including Eduardo, Charly Musonda and Kenedy.

Musonda had the game’s first chance two minutes in when he stung the palms of Sietsma with a right-footed drive. Shortly after, Callum Hudson-Odoi sent a shot just wide of the right post from the edge of the area.

The Dons created their first opportunity of the tie in the 10th minute through Gboly Ariyibi. The winger delivered in a cross which made it through to Muirhead but the Dons’ number 16 couldn’t find the target with his first-time shot.

Scott Wootton then had a goal-bound header cleared away by a Chelsea defender from Scott Golbourne’s corner before a superb run from George Williams set up a chance for Ryan Seager moments later - his effort was blocked.

Just as it appeared the Dons were taking control of the tie, Chelsea’s experienced frontman, Batshuayi, put them ahead - the Belgian collected Kyle Scott’s pass before firing past Sietsma with a low right-footed drive to give his side a 23rd-minute lead. 0-1.

Nelson’s men went straight back on the offensive, not to be deterred by Chelsea taking the lead.

A good passing move on 27 minutes led to a chance for Seager but his diving header from Muirhead’s cross went into the ground and bounced over Eduardo’s crossbar. Not long after, Muirhead delivered another teasing ball which Kenedy had to hastily clear away at the far post.

Nesbitt’s corner on 41 minutes caused more problems for the Chelsea defence. The Blues failed to clear the danger and eventually Ariyibi was able to get a shot away - his acrobatic effort was saved by Eduardo.

Chelsea broke quickly with Kenedy following the Ariyibi effort. The winger, who has 15 Premier League appearances to his name, broke into the Dons’ penalty area before teeing up an on-rushing Batshuayi, who doubled both his and his team’s tally with a placed finish. 0-2.

Before half-time, the visitors were able to extend their advantage further. Callum Hudson-Odoi grabbed the goal in first-half stoppage time with a low drive which somehow squirmed its way through the body of Sietsma - a moment the Dutch goalkeeper will want to forget. 0-3.

Chelsea’s two late goals left the Dons with it all to do in the second half and they started brightly after the re-start.

However, before they could really test Eduardo in the Blues, they conceded a fourth goal. Charly Musonda was the goalscorer, finding the far corner with a composed finish after a one-two with Batshuayi. 0-4.

Wootton headed wide on 61 minutes as the Dons looked to, at the very least, reduce the deficit. Nesbitt later had a shot blocked after collecting a quickly-taken free-kick from Williams.

Neilson introduced some experience during the second half with both Ed Upson and Peter Pawlett entering from the bench.

With a quarter of an hour to go, Upson tried his luck with a volley which fell wide of the left post. Thomas-Asante then produced a save out of Eduardo at his near post, after latching onto Williams’ pass.

Eduardo was also on call to keep out Nombe’s header - the young forward did well to out-jump his man and meet the cross from Williams but couldn’t find a way past the Portugal international.

The Dons were forced to play the final five minutes with 10 men after winger Nesbitt was forced off with an injury and Neilson having already made all three of his substitutions - that prevented any chance of the men from MK1 affecting the scorline.

Starting XI: Sietsma; Williams (C), Wootton, Walsh, Golbourne; McGrandles (Upson 64); Ariyibi (Pawlett 64), Thomas-Asante, Nesbitt, Muirhead; Seager (Nombe 53)

Unused subs: Nicholls, Agard, Kasumu

Booked: McGrandles, Nombe, Williams, Upson

Attendance: 1,549 (158 away)

Ticket News

Match Guide: Chelsea Under-21s

Important matchday information ahead of tonight's Checkatrade Trophy fixture...

6 December 2017

Tickets for tonight's Checkatrade Trophy tie with Chelsea Under-21s are priced from just £5 adults and £1 under-18s, while under-12s go FREE.

To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.

PRICES:
East Wing
Adults: £5
Seniors: £5
Under-18s: £1
Under-12s: FREE*
*A max of 2 per adult.

clubRed
Adults: £10
Seniors: £10
Under-18s: £6
Under-12s: £5

Getting to Stadium MK
Click HERE for full details!

Car parking
Limited parking is available on the Stadium MK site at a fee of £7. Spaces can be pre-booked, just as they can for a park and walk option which is priced at £5 - click HERE to book!

Matchday spaces for blue badge holders are limited and must be pre-booked via the Box Office in person by emailing customer.services@mkdons.com or calling 01908 622901. The Club cannot guarantee an on-site parking space for blue badge holders who have not pre-booked but drop-off/pick-up points are available outside Gates 2, 4 and 7.

Car parking is also available for £5 at Castle House on Dawson Road. Supporters should be aware that these car parks are not officially run by the Club, but we are pleased to highlight all parking options for matchdays.

Drop-off/pick-up is permitted at gates 4 and 7 as well as outside hotel reception, although collection outside hotel reception will be limited post-match to allow for egress of pedestrians and movement of the visiting team coach.

A taxi rank is provided at the Pick Up Point at Gate 7.

Patrons should park considerately in the industrial areas surrounding the stadium and NOT in the parking areas of the nearby retail and trade outlets, or in areas signed as privately owned (such as Granby Trade Park) where there is a risk of clamping.

No football parking is permitted at the Asda store adjacent to the stadium site or at the MK1 retail park. A Parking Charge Notice of £60 will be issued for cars identified as parking for football or those exceeding the two-hour parking period.

Matchday bus service
The MK Dons Matchday Bus service provides fans in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas with an easy and affordable way to travel to and from Stadium MK on a matchday.

There will be two routes running, which will include pick-ups in Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard, Wing and Buckingham, as well as three stops in Central Milton Keynes.

Click HERE for routes and fares!

Box Office and Club Superstore opening hours
The Box Office and Club Store will be open from 9am until 8.30pm. It will then re-open for half an hour after the full-time whistle.

Gates
Gates will open at 6.30pm while Corporate Gate 8 will open at 5.30pm.

red dot bar
The red dot bar will open from 5.15pm. Away supporters welcome.

Programme

Copies of REDDOT will be available from sellers around the ground, kiosks and the Box Office at a price of £2.

Tonight’s edition includes an interview with Aidan Nesbitt– the winger reflects on Sautrday’s Emirates FA Cup win over Maidstone United.

Andrew Cullen and Robbie Neilson update supporters in their usual columns, while there’s an in-depth look at Chelsea’s Under-21 side

That's not all, though - make sure to pick up your copy on your way into Stadium MK!

Outside concessions
A burger van and Pick 'N' Mix stall are situated outside the stadium between Gate 6 (Cowshed) and Gate 7 (Family Area).

Concessions
The 360 degree open-top concourse means you are full view of the pitch when ordering hot and cold drinks and snacks from either the kiosks or carts.

Products on offer at Stadium MK include burgers, hot dogs – available from carts – and pies, while cold drinks such as Pepsi, Tango, Drench, Fruit Shoot and water are available.

The Dons also have a number of meal deals available, including a hot dog and drink for £6 from the carts, as well as a £3 hot drink and chocolate bar bundle.

Don’t forget, Season Ticket holders are entitled to 5% discount on concourse food and drink at Stadium MK. This excludes confectionary, crisps, sweets and promotional offers. This offer is not available in the away end or clubRed.

As part of the Club’s Inclusive Pledge, the Dons offer an in-seat service for all disabled supporters during the first half of the match.

Bars
The red dot bar will be open from 5.15pm. Away supporters are welcome.

Information point
The Information Point by Gate 4 is open pre-match and at half-time selling tickets for home and away games, programmes and a range of club merchandise.

First aid
A First Aid Room can be located in the East Stand by Gate 4 with further first aiders located in each stand.

Betting
Claydon Racing are MK Dons’ in-house betting partner, offering superb odds and specials at their fixed booth in the East Stand concourse, with two others located in clubRed and the pitchside bar.

Claydon Racing will stay for approximately 30 minutes after the final whistle to pay out bets, however, if you are unable to make that, you can call the office on 01296 730119.

Disabled facilities
There are numerous dedicated disabled toilet facilities around the concourse.

Man-of-the-match presentation
clubRed ticket holders are invited into the Ballroom after the final whistle for the Man of the Match presentation, where the chosen player will be presented with his champagne and take part in a quick interview.

Box Office and Club Store
The Box Office and Club Store will be open for half an hour after the final whistle.

red dot bar
The red dot bar will be open for an hour after the final whistle.

Should you need any help or assistance during your time at Stadium MK, just ask one of our matchday stewards who will be pleased to help you.

Milton Keynes Dons

Standings

Preview: Chelsea Under-21s

Robbie staying grounded after Chelsea defeat

Williams itching to get to Sky Bet League One action

Extended action: Chelsea Under-21s

Gallery: Chelsea Under-21s

Report: MK Dons 0-4 Chelsea U21

Robbie staying grounded after Chelsea defeat

Williams itching to get to Sky Bet League One action

Extended action: Chelsea Under-21s

Gallery: Chelsea Under-21s

Match Guide: Chelsea Under-21s

Standings

Fixture News

Robbie staying grounded after Chelsea defeat

Williams itching to get to Sky Bet League One action

Extended action: Chelsea Under-21s

Gallery: Chelsea Under-21s

Fixture News

Robbie staying grounded after Chelsea defeat

Williams itching to get to Sky Bet League One action

Extended action: Chelsea Under-21s

Gallery: Chelsea Under-21s