MK Dons return to stadiummk tonight for the first time in over three months when they face La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.
Karl Robinson’s side have three friendlies left before their Sky Bet League 1 season kicks-off away at Shrewsbury Town next month and the Dons will be hopeful of maintaining their unbeaten run heading into that trip to Shropshire.
The Dons’ opponents this evening, Rayo Vallecano, arrive in Milton Keynes on the back of their highest ever La Liga finish, eighth in 2012/13 – just three places below Spanish giants Valencia.
The Vallecanos, whose former players include Swansea City forward Michu, new Man City signing Alvado Negredo and former England and Real Madrid star Laurie Cunningham, lost top goalscorer Piti (18) this summer but still retain hope of pushing for a Europa League finish this upcoming season.
The Madrid-based side, managed by ex-Spanish international Paco Jemez, have been in the UK, on tour, since last week and just last night played out a 2-2 draw with Dons’ League 1 rivals Notts County in a friendly at Meadow Lane.
Despite Danny Haynes putting the Nottinghamshire outfit ahead, they found themselves a goal down heading into the final 10 minutes thanks to a second-half double from Vallecanos striker Adrian Gonzalez. County, however, levelled things up through substitute Yoann Arquin to see the game finish all-square.
Robinson’s men will be hoping to go one step further than the Magpies tonight and claim their sixth win of pre-season and the Dons boss is expected to name another strong line-up, similar to the XI that started on the weekend at Plymouth Argyle.
Dean Bowditch, though, is out with a groin injury while Patrick Bamford (ankle) and Jon Otsemobor (knee) are doubts after missing Sunday’s game. Antony Kay (ankle), who limped off after 20 minutes at Home Park, will also be monitored ahead of kick-off with Tom Flanagan waiting in the wings.
Four other players who will be pushing for starts are Dele Alli, George Baldock, Ben Reeves and Izale McLeod, all of which started the match against the Pilgrims on the bench. Ian McLoughlin is another who will be trying to force his way into the starting XI. Robinson has also confirmed that Argentine midfielder Santiago Aloi is no longer on trial with the Football Club.
Tickets for this game are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Box Office at stadiummk or thecentre:mk, call 01908 622900 or visit our Online Ticket Service - click here to buy as a season ticket holder/member or click here to buy as a non season ticket holder/non-member.
