mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this Saturday’s clash at Loftus Road.
Emirates FA Cup
This Saturday’s clash against Queens Park Rangers gives Robbie Neilson and his side a much-needed break from Sky Bet League One action. Since overcoming Maidstone United in Round Two of the competition, MK Dons have played six league games and one match in the Checkatrade Trophy.
With so many Sky Bet League One games within quick succession, Saturday gives Robbie Neilson’s men the chance to express themselves against Sky Bet Championship opposition.
Previous cup success at Loftus Road
Cast your minds back to January 26th, 2013 when MK Dons travelled to then Premier League, Queens Park Rangers in the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Within four minutes the men from MK1 had taken the lead thanks to Armand Traore’s own goal. Things got even better for the Dons faithful as five minutes before the break Ryan Lowe slotted past Robert Green to double the advantage.
Just five minutes after half-time, Dons had their third of the game with Ryan Harley converting from close range before Darren Potter made it four shortly after. There was time for both Jay Bothroyd and Fabio Da Silva to find the back of the net, however, their goals came too late in the game for the London-outfit to mount a comeback.
Come Saturday, the Dons will be hoping to write their name in Emirates FA Cup history by causing an upset of their own.
Rotation
It’s been a hectic period for MK Dons as they approach their fifth game within 14 days this weekend. The Dons looked to fatigue a little earlier than they would’ve liked against Oxford due to playing the majority of the Peterborough win with nine men just two days prior. The Emirates FA Cup does, however, give Neilson the chance to rotate his side and give some players a rest.
We may see the likes of Wieger Sietsma replace Lee Nicholls between the sticks while Kieran Agard may get another stint as a striker while Osman Sow serves the second match of his three game ban. Robbie Muirhead was given a start on the left wing against Oxford and could retain his place while Gboly Ariyibi will be hoping to impress should he take to the field.
Make sure you’re following @MKDonsFC on Twitter for the latest team news come 2pm Saturday.
New face before the weekend
In his pre-match press conference, Robbie Neilson confirmed he is hoping to add a new face to his squad ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Queens Park Rangers.
“We’re very close to getting one in, that we hope to get over the line today [Thursday].”
He added, “He’s a player that we chased right through the summer but couldn’t get. We hope we’ve managed to secure him now.”
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Robbie Neilson and his MK Dons side take on Queens Park Rangers this Saturday in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup fixture at Loftus Road.
Tickets for the clash are priced from £10 adults, £5 seniors/under-22s, £1 students/under-18s and FREE for under-8s when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Season tickets, meanwhile, are able to travel to Loftus Road for just £14. Adult/Over-65 members can purchase travel for £13 with Under-18s priced at £13 – a £1 discount from general sale.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
