mkdons.com details the storylines to follow ahead of Saturday’s clash at Fratton Park...
Proving Bradford was a blip
The Dons have been one of the form sides in the division since the start of September, with defeats to Peterborough United and Bradford City the only blotches on an otherwise impressive run of the results.
Like they did after that loss to Posh, the men from MK1 will look to make an immediate return to winning ways this weekend and prove that last Saturday’s defeat to Bradford was nothing more than a bump in the road.
Chance to put together a run
If Robbie Neilson’s men are to return to the top half of the Sky Bet League One and force their way into the play-off places then they’ll need to put together another stretch of results like they did last month.
They have the opportunity to do that in October, with their next four opponents all occupying places in the bottom half of the division. While no team should be taken for granted, the Dons do boast a strong record over sides placed 12th or below – they haven’t lost to one yet!
Drawing first blood
There have only been two meetings between the Dons and Portsmouth and currently there is nothing to separate the sides.
The first clash, which took place at Stadium MK, resulted in a 2-2 while the points were also shared in the return fixture at Fratton Park.
Can the Dons claim the first success this weekend or will the run of draws continue? It’s unlikely to be the latter as Neilson’s team have drawn just one of their last 10 away league fixtures.
International boost
The men from MK1 were without Callum Brittain and Oussenyou Cissé for Saturday’s clash with Bradford due to their respective international commitments but both players are back with the Club and available for selection once again.
Cissé’s return is timely, with fellow midfielder Aaron Tshibola suspended for one match due to the red card he received against the Bantams. Brittain, meanwhile, should be full of confidence after impressing during his time with England Under-20s.
Chuks and Sow partnership
In the aftermath of last weekend’s encounter with Bradford, Neilson spoke of his excitement at the prospect of playing Chuks Aneke and Osman Sow together up front.
Both were on the field for the second half of the Bantams defeat but with the team down to 10 men, Sow was forced to play out wide rather than alongside Aneke in an attacking position.
Will we see the pair together on Saturday? It is unlikely that Aneke will start the match as he continues to patiently work his way back to full fitness, but it may be something to look out for in the second half.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash at Portsmouth are priced at £23 adults, £17 seniors, £15 under-23s while under-18s can attend for £10 if unaccompanied by an adult/senior or £5 if they are accompanied.
Travel is available for this fixture, priced at £23 adults and £22 over-65s and under-18s. Season Ticket holders and members are entitled to a £1 discount on travel tickets.
To book tickets and travel click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
