The key storylines to follow heading into MK Dons’ Sky Bet League One clash with Millwall this weekend...
Another tough test
In their last three Sky Bet League One outings, the Dons have faced sides with a combined 18 wins to their name since the start of 2017 – Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City.
Their record, though, hasn’t been too bad having taken four points from those three fixtures – after losing to Fleetwood at Stadium MK, they beat the Shrews 2-1 and then held play-off hopefuls Bradford to a 2-2 draw at their Northern Commercials Stadium.
This weekend sees them presented with another difficult test, against a Millwall outfit who are unbeaten since mid-December and have won an impressive 10 matches since then – form which has them well-positioned to finish in the top six come the end of April.
Can the Dons maintain their solid run against in-form sides by taking points off the Lions this Saturday?
Given that they took just one point from a possible nine heading into the clash with Shrewsbury, the Dons wouldn’t turn their nose up at a seven – or even five – point return from three after Millwall.
Top-half in sight
For the first time since the 14th October, the Dons have the opportunity to move into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table this weekend.
First off, Neilson’s side will need to beat Millwall at the Den, which is no easy feat in itself. Then they need both Walsall and AFC Wimbledon to lose their respective matches against Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
Should those three results go their way they’ll find themselves ending the week in 12th place on goal difference. They would also close the gap on Millwall, who currently occupy the final play-off spot, to nine points.
Fingers crossed for Chuks
A sight nobody wanted to see, Chuks Aneke was forced off with what Neilson confirmed was a hamstring injury just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute on Tuesday night.
Neilson told the media afterwards that his talented forward would have a scan on Wednesday to assess the extent of the injury and will no doubt provide an update in his press conference on Thursday morning.
Memories of ‘08
Not many October league fixtures are remembered as fondly as the Dons’ away clash with Millwall the start of the 2008/09 campaign.
That afternoon, the Dons ran riot and claimed a result which is often considered as one of the Club’s best ever away performances.
Sam Baldock netted twice alongside a volley from Sean O’Hanlon and an own goal by Paul Robinson, as Roberto Di Matteo’s cruised to a stunning 4-0 success at the Den.
In fairness, since that result the Dons haven’t enjoyed too much success against their opponents this weekend but those supporters who were that day that will be making the trip down again on Saturday, will no doubt have memories of what was a memorable day in the capital.
Robbie Neilson will address a number of these topics and more in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
MK Dons PlayerHD is the only place to watch full pressers and interviews - click here to sign up for £4.49 a month!
In their last three Sky Bet League One outings, the Dons have faced sides with a combined 18 wins to their name since the start of 2017 – Fleetwood Town, Shrewsbury Town and Bradford City.
Their record, though, hasn’t been too bad having taken four points from those three fixtures – after losing to Fleetwood at Stadium MK, they beat the Shrews 2-1 and then held play-off hopefuls Bradford to a 2-2 draw at their Northern Commercials Stadium.
This weekend sees them presented with another difficult test, against a Millwall outfit who are unbeaten since mid-December and have won an impressive 10 matches since then – form which has them well-positioned to finish in the top six come the end of April.
Can the Dons maintain their solid run against in-form sides by taking points off the Lions this Saturday?
Given that they took just one point from a possible nine heading into the clash with Shrewsbury, the Dons wouldn’t turn their nose up at a seven – or even five – point return from three after Millwall.
Top-half in sight
For the first time since the 14th October, the Dons have the opportunity to move into the top half of the Sky Bet League One table this weekend.
First off, Neilson’s side will need to beat Millwall at the Den, which is no easy feat in itself. Then they need both Walsall and AFC Wimbledon to lose their respective matches against Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.
Should those three results go their way they’ll find themselves ending the week in 12th place on goal difference. They would also close the gap on Millwall, who currently occupy the final play-off spot, to nine points.
Fingers crossed for Chuks
A sight nobody wanted to see, Chuks Aneke was forced off with what Neilson confirmed was a hamstring injury just 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute on Tuesday night.
Neilson told the media afterwards that his talented forward would have a scan on Wednesday to assess the extent of the injury and will no doubt provide an update in his press conference on Thursday morning.
Memories of ‘08
Not many October league fixtures are remembered as fondly as the Dons’ away clash with Millwall the start of the 2008/09 campaign.
That afternoon, the Dons ran riot and claimed a result which is often considered as one of the Club’s best ever away performances.
Sam Baldock netted twice alongside a volley from Sean O’Hanlon and an own goal by Paul Robinson, as Roberto Di Matteo’s cruised to a stunning 4-0 success at the Den.
In fairness, since that result the Dons haven’t enjoyed too much success against their opponents this weekend but those supporters who were that day that will be making the trip down again on Saturday, will no doubt have memories of what was a memorable day in the capital.
Robbie Neilson will address a number of these topics and more in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
MK Dons PlayerHD is the only place to watch full pressers and interviews - click here to sign up for £4.49 a month!
