mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash at Home Park...
Start to build momentum
On the back of a positive week at Stadium MK, the Dons will be looking to build some real momentum by picking up a result in Devon this Saturday.
Last week, Robbie Neilson’s men won their Checkatrade Trophy opener against Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s and followed that up with 1-1 draw and a strong second-half display against Oxford United.
That second-half outing provided real optimism that a corner has been turned after a tough start to the campaign – boss Robbie Neilson believes the performance can be a springboard for his team.
“It was far better than it’s been,” he said after the draw with Oxford. “There’s still a lot of work to do and we’ve still got a long way to go but it was definitely progression – we played a really good team, dominated and looked positive.
“Now we have to continue that and hopefully the performance gives the players the confidence we all need to push on.”
Added firepower
The additions of Alex Gilbey and Aidan Nesbitt on Deadline Day bolstered Neilson’s attacking options last week and the Dons boss will be hoping another pair of forward players can provide a further boost this Saturday.
Those players are strikers Kieran Agard and Osman Sow, who have been sidelined since the victory over Gillingham on 19th August.
Neilson should provide information on the duo’s status in his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning. The 36-year-old should also have an update on the condition of Ethan Ebanks-Landell, who limped off during the clash with Oxford United.
Chuks Aneke and Joe Walsh are highly unlikely to be involved, despite the former returning to match action in a reserve fixture on Monday but Neilson may provide clarity on when the two players could be back on the field.
Brittain to keep his place?
Callum Brittain was awarded Man of the Match for his performance against Oxford United and the full-back also bagged the equaliser – a stunning left-footed strike in front of the Cowshed.
With Ethan Ebanks-Landell potentially sidelined due to injury and Joe Walsh still away from a return, there is a possibility Brittain retains his place in the starting XI and makes his first league start of the campaign.
Will that be the case or will Neilson want an experienced head at the back for what should be a testing away trip? Captain Dean Lewington is an option for the boss.
Third time lucky
The Dons and Plymouth will be meeting for only the third time competitively on Saturday and for the men from MK1 they’ll be hoping it is the meeting which sees them record their first-ever victory over the Pilgrims.
The two teams faced each other twice during the 2010/11 season and it was the Devon club who triumphed on both occasions – winning 3-1 at Stadium MK before grinding out a 1-0 victory at Home Park later in the season.
Will it be third time lucky for the Dons this weekend?
***
Tickets for Saturday's clash with Plymouth Argyle can now only be bought at Home Park ahead of kick-off.
Prices are £23 adults, £18 seniors/under-22s and £10 under-18s , while there is a Family Ticket available for £29.
Can't make the match? Follow the action LIVE with iFollow MK Dons - click here for more information!
