mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend's clash with Crewe Alexandra...
Four in a row
Paul Tisdale’s side are in uncharted waters, having won their first three games of the 2018/19 season.
Prior to this campaign, MK Dons had never won back-to-back league matches at the start of season, neither had they won their first three games in all competitions - both records have been beaten this year.
This weekend at the Alexandra Stadium, Tisdale and his team will be looking to extend the run by secure a fourth straight success, which is something MK Dons haven’t done since the 2014/15 promotion-winning campaign.
Food for thought
MK Dons’ strength in depth was on show on Tuesday night, as Tisdale’s changed side delivered an excellent home performance against Sky Bet League One opposition.
The likes of Baily Cargill, David Kasumu, Mitch Hancox and Ousseynou Cisse all impressed in the win, the latter having made a real impact in the 1-0 win over Bury too. Dylan Asonganyi and Ryan Watson made their way into the line-up last weekend following injuries to Peter Pawlett and Conor McGrandles and both players have put in cause to retain their places.
It provides Tisdale with a welcome selection problem this weekend although the manager doesn’t view it as a headache.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a headache,” he said after Tuesday’s win over Charlton Athletic. “It’s part of energising the team and building the team.
“We’re more than just 11 players and we have to get through this month with as many players as fit for purpose as possible. There were plenty of players that edged towards that tonight.”
Form of Ousseynou Cisse
Last weekend, Ousseynou Cisse was voted as Man of the Match after his late impact in the 1-0 win over Bury and the midfielder ran Dylan Asonganyi close for the award on Tuesday night too, after a near faultless performance against Charlton Athletic.
Cisse, who mainly featured in defensive midfield last season, has been deployed in a more advanced position by manager Tisdale and that switch seems to have worked wonders for the Malian.
His manager said on Tuesday: “I thought he was excellent [against Charlton]. He was confident and there was an element of vitality to his game.”
A re-energised and in-form Cisse would be very welcome to MK Dons, who are without a number of attacking players due to injury, and, should he feature this weekend, Tisdale will be hoping he can continue his recent form.
Goals, goals, goals
MK Dons’ matches with Crewe Alexandra are never usually dull affairs.
In seven of the nine previous meetings between the two clubs, two or more goals have been scored and with both teams in scoring form at the start of this season, the arrow is certainly pointing towards another exciting encounter this weekend.
***
Tickets for Saturday's clash with Crewe Alexandra are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors, £10.50 under-17s and £6.50 under-11s. Tickets for adults with a disability are priced at £17.
Travel is available for £19 Season Ticket holders and £20 all other supporters, with coaches departing Stadium MK at 10.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
