mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash with Gillingham...
Getting on the board
The Dons go in search of their first Sky Bet League One victory this weekend and they would love to collect that result in front of the home supporters.
Robbie Neilson’s side are one of nine teams who have yet to taste success in 2017/18 alongside the likes of Scunthorpe United, Blackburn Rovers and Saturday’s opponents Gillingham.
The manager is hopeful they can change that at the weekend. He told the media: “Really, we’re only six points off the top of the league but we want to get going.
“To do that, we have to demand more of each other – we do it in training but when we get out on a Saturday we have to grab the game and take responsibility.”
That said, Neilson is also thinking of the bigger picture and isn’t putting too much pressure on his team.
“We want pressure and demands, but we want it for the right reasons – trying to win titles and get promoted, not just to get us going at the started at the beginning of the season.”
Goals will come
As well as looking for their first win, the Dons will also be out to bag their opening league goal of the 2017/18 campaign.
Aside from Gboly Ariyibi’s stunning strike in the Carabao Cup win over Forest Green Rovers, Neilson’s side have to find their clinical edge in front of goal but striker Ryan Seager is confident that will soon change.
“There are a lot of new players here so it’s going to take time for us to gel. Once that happens, I think we’ll start creating more chances and I’m confident me and my team-mates can take those when they come along.”
Another Gills thriller?
While on the subject of finding the net, previous meetings between the Dons and Gillingham have seen their fair share of goals, especially at Stadium MK.
In 11 previous matches, seven have seen three or more goals scored, while the two teams have combined to score five or more goals on four occasions including three of the last four occasions.
The most recent meeting at Stadium MK, back in February, saw the Dons let slip a two-goal lead before poaching all three points in stoppage-time courtesy of Dean Lewington’s dramatic late header.
Three seasons ago, the two clubs played out a pair of 4-2 thrillers with the Dons coming out on top at Stadium MK and the Gills taking the glory at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
So, 1-0 on Saturday?
Sow to make his debut?
The Dons finally got their number nine earlier this week when they completed the signing of striker Osman Sow on a two-year deal.
The Club are still awaiting international clearance for the 27-year-old, who scored 23 goals for Hearts while working with boss Neilson, so it remains to be seen whether he will make his bow against Gillingham.
What other changes may be made from last weekend’s match at Blackpool? Neilson made three changes for the trip to Bloomfield Road and may look to freshen things up once again this weekend.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Gillingham at Stadium MK are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. Discounts available for members and groups.
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.