mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend's Sky Bet League Two clash with Swindon Town...
Dons out to rediscover their rhythm
MK Dons were unable to build on their 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic when they travelled to Exeter City last weekend, so will look to get back on track this Saturday against Swindon Town.
The Dons sit four points adrift of the automatic promotion places heading into the weekend and will need to put victories together if they are to close that gap on the top three.
They have an opportunity in the coming fortnight to do just that, albeit against tough opponents. Paul Tisdale’s men play four games in the space of 14 days and a run of good form through this spell would, no doubt, see their league position dramatically improve.
Looking for home win number 11
While much has been made about the Dons’ form away from home this season, there can’t be too many complaints about their success at Stadium MK.
The team could secure home win number 11 on Saturday - a total nobody else in the division has reached this season. Three points would also see them move above Bury for the best home record in the division.
The form at Stadium MK will be crucial during the run-in and its important Tisdale’s side make the most of the opportunities to pick up points on their own patch.
Well-travelled Robins
In the Dons’ way of that 11th home win is a Swindon Town outfit who boast the sixth best away record in Sky Bet League Two.
Richie Wellens’ side have taken 22 points from their 15 matches on the road and are unbeaten in their last four away games. During that run, the Robins held promotion-chasing Mansfield to a draw on their own turf.
That said, while their away form has been strong this season, their recent record at Stadium MK is certainly in MK Dons’ favour - the Robins have failed to win on each of their last six visits to Milton Keynes, picking up points on only one occasion.
Fire-power from the front two
Chuks Aneke and Kieran Agard both found the net last time out at Stadium MK and will be eager to add to their respective goal tallies on Saturday.
The duo each have 12 league goals to their names this term and are both tied for fifth in the division’s top scorer charts. Their home/away split is the same too, with seven of their 12 finishes coming at Stadium MK.
Tisdale will hope his striking pair are on song once again, particularly as his team have only ever lost twice in the league when either Aneke or Agard have found the net.
More involvement for Deadline Day duo?
The debut displays of Jake Hesketh and Stephen Walker were two positives to take from an otherwise disappointing afternoon in Devon for MK Dons last weekend.
The Deadline Day signings both looked bright, with Southampton loanee Hesketh going close to providing Aneke with an assist for what would have been an equalising goal.
Both players will be hoping to make their first home appearances this weekend but whether that comes from the start remains to be seen.
Tisdale will likely be asked about the duo’s chances of being involved against Swindon Town when he meets with the media on Thursday for his weekly press conference. Stay tuned to mkdons.com and social media for quotes and videos from Tisdale’s media address.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Swindon Town 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.
Don’t forget, with a Club Dons membership you 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 or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
