Karl Robinson believes Sky Bet League 1 is as close as ever and has therefore called for his side to fight for every point.
The Dons go into this Saturday’s clash with Port Vale in sixth place but Robinson’s men are just nine points adrift of the league leaders with three games in hand – enough to overturn that deficit.
“League 1 is extremely competitive this season,” Robinson told the media. “There are some really good teams in the top echelon where we are. Every league is competitive, but this year, this league is more even.
“Other than Bristol City, Preston (North End) and Sheffield United, we’re all punching around the same weight. There are a couple of surprises in Oldham (Athletic) and Notts County, but Lee Johnson and Shaun Derry have done really well.”
He continued: “This year there’s been a different feel around here. We know what we want and we feel we’re as competitive as any.
“We want to be aggressive in the next step and we’re going to be a different Dons side. We will be a side that fights to the very last kick of the game, but all the pretty football that we get labelled with will still be there.
“We’re not going to waste opportunities and we’re fully focussed. This is the best group I’ve had - they all mean something and they’ll all play their part at some stage.”
A key factor behind the Dons’ strong form has been the performances from strikers Benik Afobe and Will Grigg, who, between them, have amassed 21 goals in all competitions already this term.
With only one starting XI place up for grabs for a striker in Robinson’s trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, Afobe and Grigg have often been rotated in and out of the side and the Dons boss insists that will continue in order to get the best out of the pair.
He added: “Being able to rotate things will be great. Benik and Griggy already know which games they’re playing in over the next four games.
“We discussed who would be playing in which game and what suits the individual so we are ready and we do plan that far ahead, especially with those two because it’s important that both of them are happy and they are at the moment.
“It’s certainly not affecting our goals tally with the two of them.”
Karl Robinson's side face Port Vale this Saturday at stadiummk in a match that will also play host to the first Family Fun Day of the year.
Tickets are priced from just £10 for adults and £1 for under-18s, while a host of activities and games will take place prior to kick-off around the ground and in the ArenaMK.
Click here to purchase your tickets or visit the Box Office at stadiummk or the kiosk at thecentre:mk, call 01908 622900 or email boxoffice@mkdons.com.
“League 1 is extremely competitive this season,” Robinson told the media. “There are some really good teams in the top echelon where we are. Every league is competitive, but this year, this league is more even.
“Other than Bristol City, Preston (North End) and Sheffield United, we’re all punching around the same weight. There are a couple of surprises in Oldham (Athletic) and Notts County, but Lee Johnson and Shaun Derry have done really well.”
He continued: “This year there’s been a different feel around here. We know what we want and we feel we’re as competitive as any.
“We want to be aggressive in the next step and we’re going to be a different Dons side. We will be a side that fights to the very last kick of the game, but all the pretty football that we get labelled with will still be there.
“We’re not going to waste opportunities and we’re fully focussed. This is the best group I’ve had - they all mean something and they’ll all play their part at some stage.”
A key factor behind the Dons’ strong form has been the performances from strikers Benik Afobe and Will Grigg, who, between them, have amassed 21 goals in all competitions already this term.
With only one starting XI place up for grabs for a striker in Robinson’s trusted 4-2-3-1 formation, Afobe and Grigg have often been rotated in and out of the side and the Dons boss insists that will continue in order to get the best out of the pair.
He added: “Being able to rotate things will be great. Benik and Griggy already know which games they’re playing in over the next four games.
“We discussed who would be playing in which game and what suits the individual so we are ready and we do plan that far ahead, especially with those two because it’s important that both of them are happy and they are at the moment.
“It’s certainly not affecting our goals tally with the two of them.”
Karl Robinson's side face Port Vale this Saturday at stadiummk in a match that will also play host to the first Family Fun Day of the year.
Tickets are priced from just £10 for adults and £1 for under-18s, while a host of activities and games will take place prior to kick-off around the ground and in the ArenaMK.
Click here to purchase your tickets or visit the Box Office at stadiummk or the kiosk at thecentre:mk, call 01908 622900 or email boxoffice@mkdons.com.
