MK Dons travel to Drogheda United this evening for the second of their three Dublin-based matches.
Karl Robinson’s men beat Leinster Senior League outfit St. James’s Gate 9-1 in their pre-season opener on Monday but tonight’s opposition will, no doubt, provide a sterner as the Dons look to get themselves ready for the 2016/17 campaign.
Kick-off at Hunky Dory Park is at 7.30pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Drogheda are just over midway through their 2016 season and they currently find themselves third in the Irish First Division.
The Drogs have won seven of their 16 league games this campaign but have picked up just one victory in their past five outings.
Despite their high position in the table they are one of the division’s lowest scorers, however their tally of 20 goals conceded is the second only to leaders Limerick.
Striker Aaron Ashe is the County Louth-sides leading scorer with five goals to his name, while Sean Thornton has netted four times from midfield.
TEAM NEWS
The Dons made it through their pre-season opener unscathed, with all those who were involved set to play again this evening.
The XI who started the first half at the Iveagh Grounds will play 60 minutes against the Drogs, with the second group set to feature for the final half an hour. This will then be reversed for Wednesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly.
David Martin and Dean Bowditch, who were both rested in Monday’s match, are not expected to play as they recover from their minor knocks.
FIGHTING TALK
Richie Barker: “This week is about building the minutes up safely and making sure we get as many players through it injury-free.
“There’ll be one or two who will be feeling - maybe not the defenders who, no disrespect to the opposition, weren’t really tested on Monday, but certainly the attacking players.”
STAY IN TOUCH
Entry at Hunky Dory Park is priced at €5.
For those at home, live updates will be provided on Twitter - @MKDonsFC - while a full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com after the final whistle. Reaction, highlights and photos will follow on Wednesday.
Kick-off at Hunky Dory Park is at 7.30pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Drogheda are just over midway through their 2016 season and they currently find themselves third in the Irish First Division.
The Drogs have won seven of their 16 league games this campaign but have picked up just one victory in their past five outings.
Despite their high position in the table they are one of the division’s lowest scorers, however their tally of 20 goals conceded is the second only to leaders Limerick.
Striker Aaron Ashe is the County Louth-sides leading scorer with five goals to his name, while Sean Thornton has netted four times from midfield.
TEAM NEWS
The Dons made it through their pre-season opener unscathed, with all those who were involved set to play again this evening.
The XI who started the first half at the Iveagh Grounds will play 60 minutes against the Drogs, with the second group set to feature for the final half an hour. This will then be reversed for Wednesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly.
David Martin and Dean Bowditch, who were both rested in Monday’s match, are not expected to play as they recover from their minor knocks.
FIGHTING TALK
Richie Barker: “This week is about building the minutes up safely and making sure we get as many players through it injury-free.
“There’ll be one or two who will be feeling - maybe not the defenders who, no disrespect to the opposition, weren’t really tested on Monday, but certainly the attacking players.”
STAY IN TOUCH
Entry at Hunky Dory Park is priced at €5.
For those at home, live updates will be provided on Twitter - @MKDonsFC - while a full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com after the final whistle. Reaction, highlights and photos will follow on Wednesday.
