Paul Tisdale is expecting a tight encounter on Saturday as his MK Dons side and Exeter City put their unbeaten records on the like at Stadium MK.
Exeter sit top of the Sky Bet League Two table having taken 10 points from their first four matches of the season with MK Dons sitting two points back after winning two and drawing to of their opening games.
“It will be a fiercely fought game, and already it looks like a game with a promotion rival,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference.
“Already, Exeter have shown themselves to be organised, disciplined and hard to beat.
“I hope that remains the case and that we're a part of that promotion battle come the end of the season. These first dozen games could potentially be against competitors, we don't know yet - we don’t know if, in April, this will have been a six pointer.”
Saturday will be MK Dons’ fourth home match of the campaign and Tisdale feels he is now adjusting to life at Stadium MK.
“I've already experienced two or three home games and I've really enjoyed it. The fans have been really encouraging and we've enjoyed giving them something back. We haven't scored a lot of goals yet but we've given them some energy and fight.”
Here’s what else Tisdale had to say in his pre-match press conference…
On prioritising defence over attack…
“I do see us defending as a team, defending from the front, and being able to attack from the back. Had we had everyone available from the start, I'd still have focused on our defensive work first and building the team for the long haul. We've started where we would have started anyway, but it would have been nice to have more attacking options because it's fair to say we've been depleted there.”
On Callum Brittain…
“When I came here, I was looking forward to working with some exciting talent that hadn't flourish yet or was still to be maximised. Callum is a part of that. It has been good to see the likes of Callum and Conor McGrandles too - players who instantly took my eye in pre-season as ones who can play my way.
On facing his former side…
“When I thought about leaving Exeter, I didn't think I'd be coming up against them in the same league in the future, but here we are. More people outside are talking about it than we are here, but I can't ignore the fact that I've got 12 years of history there so of course there are emotions. But, generally, it will be a regular football match, with 11 players against another manager with 11 players. Of course there are players in that team that I know but I'm 100 per cent focused on the players I'll selected here, the subs who can change the game and the supporters supporting MK Dons - that's the way it has to be.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Exeter City are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons members. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for just £5 more while an upgrade to clubRed is available for a £10 premium.
Club Dons members can enjoy a £5 discount on 10 EFL matches during the 2018/19 season - Young Dons members are entitled to £1 off all 2018/19 EFL matches. Season Ticket holders can also bring a friend for FREE on one occasion during the campaign while Premier Members can do so twice.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only ticket booths around Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
