mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash at the Lamex Stadium...
Staying on top
MK Dons moved to the summit of the Sky Bet League Two table last weekend courtesy of their 2-0 victory over Macclesfield Town at Stadium MK.
Paul Tisdale’s men leapfrogged Lincoln City, who weren’t in action, and now lead the Imps by a point heading into this Saturday’s set of fixtures.
In order to stay ahead, the Dons will need to better Lincoln’s result - Danny Cowley’s team host in-form Mansfield Town at 1pm.
11 unbeaten
MK Dons’ undefeated run stretched into double figures with their triumph over the Silkmen and they will be looking to make it 11 league matches without loss at the weekend.
The last time a Dons team went as many as 11 games without tasting defeat was between March and May during the 2014/15 promotion-winning season.
The Club’s best unbeaten run is way back in the 2007/08 campaign when Paul Ince’s side enjoyed an 18-match stretch without loss.
Question marks at the back
Paul Tisdale may have a decision to make this weekend, with the likelihood of having two key members of his defence unavailable for selection.
Joe Walsh missed out against Macclesfield Town due to an injury sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s while Baily Cargill is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season in that triumph over the Silkmen.
With Mathieu Baudry still sidelined, Tisdale may call upon young defender Oran Jackson if Walsh can’t go while Dean Lewington is another option having deputised in the centre of defence on numerous occasions before.
While Tis won’t reveal his plans, he will likely address the situation when he meets with the media on Thursday to preview the match.
Strikers remain on song
MK Dons’ front three continue to lead the way for the Dons and they will be looking to maintain their red-hot form on Saturday.
Chuks Aneke, Kieran Agard and Rhys Healey have combined for 25 goals this term, with 20 of those coming in the league.
In the League Two scoring charts, Aneke is tied for fourth with eight league goals to his name. His 110 minutes per goal ratio is the second-best total amongst strikers with at least five goals this season.
Agard isn’t far behind in the table - his seven league goals has him tied for sixth along with Luke Norris, Ashley Nadesan, Tom Pope and Jamille Matt.
Healey is MK Dons’ other weapon and it shouldn’t be forgotten that in his last away match, he contributed two goals and two assists.
Stevenage a tough nut to crack
MK Dons’ in-form front three will have a tough test on Saturday against a Stevenage outfit who have conceded only seven times at home this season - only four teams in the division have let in fewer.
In their last 10 league matches at the Lamex Stadium, Boro have lost just twice while picking up five victories, including an impressive 3-1 triumph over fourth-placed Colchester United.
Last time at the Lamex
It’s been over four years since MK Dons last visited the Lamex Stadium for what was a memorable encounter in Hertfordshire.
Stevenage flew out of the blocks in March 2014 and boasted a 2-0 goal advantage at half-time. In fact, Boro maintained that lead until the 81st minute when Jordan Spence pulled one back for the Dons from a corner.
That kick-started an unforgettable MK Dons comeback which then saw Ben Reeves fire home a superb equaliser with six minutes remaining.
It was down to the captain, Dean Lewington, to secure the nine-minute turnaround as he headed home from another set-piece in the final minute of stoppage time to make it 3-2.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Stevenage are priced at £22 adults, £20 concessions*, £15 under-18s and £10 under-12s.
Coach travel is available for this fixture with spaces priced at £12 for Season Ticket holders and £13 for all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 12.30pm.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
