mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday's Sky Bet League One opener with Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK...
A new season begins
After over three months of waiting, MK Dons finally return to competitive action this weekend when they take on Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK.
Paul Tisdale’s men were due to begin their season alongside the rest of the EFL last Saturday but the EFL took the decision to suspend the fixture with Bury due to the Shakers’ off-the-field problems.
Determined not to let the postponement affect them, the Dons have been working hard to ensure they are ready for Saturday’s clash and they go into the curtain-raiser with strong record in season openers.
The Dons have lost just one of their last 10 league openers, winning six of them including a 1-0 success over Shrewsbury Town at the New Meadow in 2016.
Shrewsbury to be buoyant
In the way of another opening-day triumph for Paul Tisdale and his men is a Shrewsbury Town side who enjoyed one of the results of the weekend last Saturday.
Sam Ricketts’ men beat promotion-favourites Portsmouth 1-0 at the New Meadow courtesy of a stunning long-range strike from Ryan Giles.
With three points and a clean sheet under their belts, expect a confident Shrews side to arrive at Stadium MK on Saturday.
Who’s available?
The Dons have stayed relatively injury-free during pre-season with the majority of the squad able to get plenty of minutes under their belts during the friendly campaign.
Defender Baily Cargill has been involved in the last few friendlies as he continues to make progress in his recovery from a foot injury. It remains to be seen, but the likelihood is he will be brought along slowly at the start of the season.
The likes of Alex Gilbey, Rhys Healey and Brennan Dickenson have yet to feature in matches this summer but all three are making progress towards full fitness. Jordan Moore-Taylor, therefore, remains the only definite absentee as he recovers from knee surgery.
That leads us on to...
Tisdale’s starting XI
The Dons are without two of the players who started the season finale with Mansfield Town back in May while a further five have departed from the matchday squad. So who will come in?
Eight new faces arrived at Stadium MK this offseason and all will be itching to begin their MK Dons careers as soon as possible. Which of the summer signings will make their debuts at the weekend? Find out at 2pm on Saturday when Paul Tisdale’s first starting XI is revealed.
Building the fortress
A key component in last season’s success was the form at Stadium MK. Under Paul Tisdale’s guidance, the Dons won 14 home league matches and picked up points in five more - ranking them amongst the best in the division.
Tisdale and his team will be desperate to repeat - if not improve on - that feat this term and therefore will want to get off to a positive start this weekend in their home opener.
The Big Kick Off
Supporters itching to get things underway will be delighted to know that the fun starts at 12.30pm on Saturday - so no need to wait until 3pm!
The Club will be hosting a Big Kick-Off event at Stadium MK, with activities for the children and food/drink options for all supporters.
Entry to the The Big Kick Off is free with a match ticket, which is priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE altogether with an accompanying adult.
To purchase tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
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Tickets for Saturday's season opener with Shrewsbury Town are priced at £22 adults, £17 seniors and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with an accompanying adult.
Club Dons members are entitled to £5 discount on the matchday price for 10 EFL games while Young Dons members can take advantage of a £1 discount on prices.
To celebrate the occasion, MK Dons, in association with Circus Magazine, will be hosting a Big Kick Off event prior to the match. This will include live music, food stalls and activities for children outside Stadium MK in the build-up to the 3pm kick-off.
To purchase tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
