mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s clash at Stadium MK...
Killer instinct
The talk after the midweek draw with Walsall was the need to be more ruthless when on top. That means making the most of dominant spells and taking goalscoring chances when they come along.
Robbie Neilson’s side were in control of proceedings during the first half on Tuesday night and should have gone in to half-time with a greater lead than just one. However, they weren’t able to extend their advantage and were later made to pay when the visitors equalised from the penalty spot.
“The lesson to learn is that we’ve got to kill off games when we’re up and doing well,” striker Chuks Aneke said in the aftermath of Tuesday’s draw. “As a team we need to be more ruthless and when we’re having good spells we’ve got to kill off the opposition.”
They’ll be looking to show a ruthless edge this weekend as they go in search of their first victory in four games.
Who plays up front?
Robbie Neilson has some decisions to make at the top end of the pitch, with injury and fitness concerns affecting two of his key forwards.
Osman Sow will miss, at least, Saturday’s clash with Oldham due to the ankle injury he suffered in the late stages of Tuesday’s match at Stadium MK, while Chuks Aneke is unlikely to start so soon after playing 90 minutes, with the attacker still making his way back to full fitness.
Kieran Agard, last season’s top goalscorer, is a contender to feature up front this weekend while the other options available to Neilson include Ryan Seager and Robbie Muirhead. First-year pro Sam Nombe is also a possibility.
Seven in a row?
The Dons have enjoyed total dominance over Oldham in recent seasons and could make it seven wins in succession against Latics if they come out on top this Saturday.
During that run, which stretches back to February 2014, the men from MK1 have scored 17 goals and conceded just three times.
One of those triumphs was the record-setting 7-0 triumph at Stadium MK – the Club’s largest margin of victory.
Stopping a resurgent Latics
While the Dons will be hoping recent history repeats itself on Saturday, it’s hard to ignore the form that Oldham have built up heading into this weekend’s meeting at Stadium MK.
Under the caretakership of Richie Wellens – who is now the Latics’ permanent manger – the Greater Manchester club have enjoyed a run of five games unbeaten, with four of those matches resulting in victories and the other an impressive draw away at Bradford City.
With confidence high, Oldham will certainly fancy their chances on Saturday and it will be up to Neilson’s men, who are looking to kick-start their own winning run, to stop them.
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Tickets for Saturday's Family Fun Day clash with Oldham Athletic are priced from just £12 adults and £1 under-18s, while under-12s with a Young Dons membership can go FREE. Supporters can upgrade to East Centre for £5 or clubRed for £10.
Before the game, a host of activity will be taking place inside the Arena MK and outside Stadium MK, including a number of fairground rides, inflatables, a hog roast, a circus workshop and the ever-popular mascot race!
To purchase tickets for what is set to be an action-packed afternoon of Family Fun click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets for this fixture are available to buy right up until kick-off.
