mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend’s Sky Bet League One fixture at the Memorial Stadium...
Eradicating the mistakes
In his post-match assessment of the 4-4 draw with Oldham Athletic, Robbie Neilson highlighted the need for his side to cut-out the individual defensive errors which have prevented them from returning to winning ways.
The catalyst behind the men from MK1’s good run of form in September was the clean sheets kept but since conceding their first goal in over seven hours of football against Bradford City, the Dons have failed to keep the opposition out – with most of the goals coming courtesy of mistakes.
Neilson’s team have proven they can score goals so if they can find away to shore things up at the back, there is a good chance their form will turn too – they’ll look to start that this Saturday in Bristol.
Closing the gap
Despite taking just two points from their last four games, the Dons remain within touching distance of the play-off places. Now it’s time for Neilson’s men to take advantage of the other teams’ failure to pull away and begin to close the gap, which currently stands at just four points.
No team in the division other than those in the top four have yet to show any real consistency this campaign and those that do over the next couple of months are likely to be rewarded with a place in the top six.
The Dons will be hoping they are one of those sides and they’ll want to kick-start that run this weekend.
Which striker steps up?
With Osman Sow sidelined for six weeks, there is an opportunity for one of the strikers to stake a claim for a starting berth.
Ryan Seager, Kieran Agard and Robbie Muirhead are among those who will be battling for place in the starting XI – more than likely to feature alongside Chuks Aneke.
Agard has started the last two matches while Seager impressed off the bench in the 4-4 draw with Oldham Athletic. Muirhead also looked lively in Wednesday’s U23s Central League fixture with AFC Wimbledon.
Who will Neilson go for this Saturday and, importantly, will they take advantage?
Maintaining record over Rovers
Saturday will be the 11th meeting between the Dons and Bristol Rovers and the latter will be going in search of only their second-ever victory in the match-up.
The men from MK1 have lost just once to the Pirates in 10 previous clashes – a 1-0 reverse at the Memorial Stadium in April 2010. Their record in the other nine meetings? Won six and drawn three.
Also, if you’re looking to put a bet on this weekend, you might want to go for a 2-1 Dons victory - four of the past eight fixtures between the two clubs have ended that way.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium are priced from £16 adults, £12 under-21s, £8 seniors and £8 under-16s when bought in advance of matchday. Supporters have the option to purchase in a standing area or a seated section.
Travel, meanwhile, is available for £21 adults and £20 over-65s and under-18s. Season Ticket holders and members are entitled to a £1 discount on official away travel.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
