Paul Tisdale is expecting a challenging afternoon this Saturday, against a Mansfield Town side with whom they share the honour of having the best defensive record in Sky Bet League Two.
The Dons and Mansfield have each only conceded nine league goals this season and they are two of the division’s most in-form sides - Tisdale’s side have picked up 15 points in their last five while the Stags have earned nine.
The pair go head-to-head this Saturday at the One Call Stadium and Tisdale certainly isn’t expecting anything to be offered on a plate to his team.
“They haven't conceded many goals, like us, and they look competent in all areas,” Tisdale said in his pre-match press conference.
“The manager knows the league and they have some good players so it will be a challenge. There won't be any low lying fruit to pick on Saturday, we'll have to work for our points.”
The Dons go into the weekend on the back of a five-match winning run and on the brink of securing a perfect October record.
Tisdale, though, knows that in order for the run to continue, his side must continue to put the work in on the training pitch.
“Five wins in a row is a good platform to build from but we can't just turn up every day and expect it to continue to happen - there has been a lot of hard work into getting the wheels turning.
“It started a few months ago with a few cultural changes, the ethic and themes and disciplines. Recently, it has been detail and structure on the pitch. But we can't just stop now.
"The players need reminding that they're doing well but they also know they are, so we have to find a balance.
“Ultimately, we all want the same thing – we want to do well and succeed, but we're only a third into the season and there's a long way to go.”
Here is what else Tisdale had to say in his pre-match press conference…
On competition for places…
“I'll be happy to have a few selection dilemmas and if the team keeps winning then even better. But it doesn't mean if the team is winning you'll keep your place. Every game is different, every situation is different and you can't rely on the team winning. Players have to play well enough to keep their place. There are lots of things to decide upon and debate.”
On his injured players…
Peter [Pawlett] is in full training, so now it's a case of when he will be robust and trained enough. He’ll be a fabulous addition. [Mathieu] Baudry has been training but he's not quite ready yet, Osman [Sow] is not back in training and Ryan Harley is still having problems. We're just happy to get one back at a time. Conor McGrandles will have to wear a mask, a bit like Phantom of the Opera although I'm not sure he'll paint it a funny colour! Tat's the next step for him, and when he has a bit of confidence with his training, he'll be ready to go.”
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Mansfield Town can now only be bought at the One Call Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Tickets are priced at £24 adults, £20 seniors (65+), £18 young adults (18-21) and £14 juniors (7-17) while under-6s’ tickets are priced at £2.
Can't make the game? iFollow MK Dons subscribers can listen to live commentary of the game – click HERE to sign up for as little as £4.49 for a month.
