mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash at Stadium MK..
Back to back
After returning to winning ways with a 2-0 victory in the Checkatrade Trophy in midweek, the Dons will be looking to make it successive successes at Stadium MK by beating neighbours Oxford United.
A triumph would also mean back-to-back home league victories and Neilson hopes to continue building that winning mentality this weekend.
“We have to get into the winning mentality,” Neilson said in the aftermath of Tuesday’s win. “We used the game as an opportunity to build some momentum going into Saturday so we decided to go semi-strong and put a few of the first team out there – thankfully it worked.
“We need to bring that confidence to our league play and hopefully (Tuesday) helped with that.”
Start of ‘derby month’
What better way to build confidence and momentum than defeating your rivals?
Saturday sees the first of four matches against local opposition this month and the Dons will be looking to start in a positive fashion by defeating their visitors from Oxfordshire.
Also this month, Robbie Neilson’s men face Peterborough United, AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town – arguably the ideal opponents as they look to respond.
New faces on Saturday?
The transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Thursday night, with the Dons hoping to add to their squad before that deadline.
Boss Neilson has already signed nine new players for the 2017/18 season but would like to add at least two more to that total ahead of the weekend.
“We’re still working away,” he told the media. "It’s a real juggling act at the moment but we’ve got our targets and we’ll try to get them here.
“We're still after two of our main targets in two positions we're looking for. We're looking at a loan and a (permanent) signing.”
Boss hopeful of injury boost
The Dons currently have Osman Sow, Joe Walsh, Kieran Agard, Chuks Aneke sidelined through injury, while Peter Pawlett and Callum Brittain both missed Tuesday’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s.
All those injuries are relatively minor with the exception of Aneke, who is recovering from a long-term hamstring problem although he is edging ever closer to a return to action.
Neilson is hopeful of having one or two of the injured group available for selection on the weekend and is expected to provide an update on the fitness front when he faces the media on Friday.
Neilson’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Oxford United will take place on Friday morning, following the close of the summer transfer window. The press conference will be available to view across the Club’s media channels.
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Tickets for Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash with Oxford United at Stadium MK are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE*. Supporters can upgrade to East Centre and clubRed for a small premium.
To book tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343.
