mkdons.com details the storylines ahead of the Friday night clash with Swindon Town at Stadium MK...
Key clash for both sides
After back-to-back wins over AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic, the Dons have since lost their last two matches so will be looking to respond in their final fixture of 2016.
The team in their way of a first victory in three games is Swindon Town, a side who themselves are struggling for form in Sky Bet League One – the Robins have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and have avoided defeat only once in December.
It makes for an important game for both sides, who will want to set themselves up for the New Year with the boost of three more points to their name.
Defence continues to improve
Following a difficult period during October and November, the Dons’ backline appears to have shored up in recent weeks.
The men from MK1 kept a clean sheet at home to AFC Wimbledon before limiting Charlton to very little in the Emirates FA Cup, with their only goal coming courtesy of a long-distance strike.
Away from home at Gillingham they were broken down on just one occasion and then on Boxing Day they held the Addicks to just a couple of chances.
The Dons will need that form to continue and they’ll be confident of doing so with a much-more recognisable looking back four that has Joe Walsh back in the middle and Dean Lewington at his favoured left-sided role.
Dons without key trio
Robbie Neilson will be short of three first-team regulars for Friday’s match.
Darren Potter will serve the second game of his two-match ban for collecting 10 yellow cards, while George Baldock is unavailable due to his hamstring injury. There is also a doubt over top goalscorer Dean Bowditch, who limped out of the Boxing Day defeat to Charlton with a calf issue.
Ed Upson and Samir Carruthers should continue in the midfield with George B Williams deputising at right-back. In terms of who will replace Bowditch – the likes of George C Williams, Daniel Powell and Chuks Aneke are all waiting in the wings, although the latter is perhaps still a bit away from making his first league start.
Always exciting against the Robins
Recent meetings with opponents Swindon Town have proven to be far from dull and with a lot at stake for both sides on Friday, all signs point to another enthralling contest.
Many will remember the stunning 3-0 victory over the Robins at the City Ground back in April 2015, which sent the Dons well on their way to promotion from Sky Bet League One. That game followed a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 success at Stadium MK earlier in the season.
Then there was George Baldock’s superb late winner in March 2014 and the meeting in August 2010 when George’s brother Sam scored twice in the final 20 minutes to earn the Dons a 2-1 triumph.
Tickets for the Friday night clash with Swindon are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £1 under-18s, while members can buy two tickets at a rate of £15 each. There are also discounted rates of £10 adults and £1 under-18s for groups of 20 or more.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office/centre:mk kiosk or call 0333 200 5343.
After back-to-back wins over AFC Wimbledon and Charlton Athletic, the Dons have since lost their last two matches so will be looking to respond in their final fixture of 2016.
The team in their way of a first victory in three games is Swindon Town, a side who themselves are struggling for form in Sky Bet League One – the Robins have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and have avoided defeat only once in December.
It makes for an important game for both sides, who will want to set themselves up for the New Year with the boost of three more points to their name.
Defence continues to improve
Following a difficult period during October and November, the Dons’ backline appears to have shored up in recent weeks.
The men from MK1 kept a clean sheet at home to AFC Wimbledon before limiting Charlton to very little in the Emirates FA Cup, with their only goal coming courtesy of a long-distance strike.
Away from home at Gillingham they were broken down on just one occasion and then on Boxing Day they held the Addicks to just a couple of chances.
The Dons will need that form to continue and they’ll be confident of doing so with a much-more recognisable looking back four that has Joe Walsh back in the middle and Dean Lewington at his favoured left-sided role.
Dons without key trio
Robbie Neilson will be short of three first-team regulars for Friday’s match.
Darren Potter will serve the second game of his two-match ban for collecting 10 yellow cards, while George Baldock is unavailable due to his hamstring injury. There is also a doubt over top goalscorer Dean Bowditch, who limped out of the Boxing Day defeat to Charlton with a calf issue.
Ed Upson and Samir Carruthers should continue in the midfield with George B Williams deputising at right-back. In terms of who will replace Bowditch – the likes of George C Williams, Daniel Powell and Chuks Aneke are all waiting in the wings, although the latter is perhaps still a bit away from making his first league start.
Always exciting against the Robins
Recent meetings with opponents Swindon Town have proven to be far from dull and with a lot at stake for both sides on Friday, all signs point to another enthralling contest.
Many will remember the stunning 3-0 victory over the Robins at the City Ground back in April 2015, which sent the Dons well on their way to promotion from Sky Bet League One. That game followed a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 success at Stadium MK earlier in the season.
Then there was George Baldock’s superb late winner in March 2014 and the meeting in August 2010 when George’s brother Sam scored twice in the final 20 minutes to earn the Dons a 2-1 triumph.
Tickets for the Friday night clash with Swindon are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £1 under-18s, while members can buy two tickets at a rate of £15 each. There are also discounted rates of £10 adults and £1 under-18s for groups of 20 or more.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office/centre:mk kiosk or call 0333 200 5343.
