mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend's Sky Bet League Two clash with Forest Green Rovers at the New Lawn...
Tough test
Five of MK Dons’ last seven games take place against sides in the top nine of Sky Bet League Two, including Saturday’s clash with sixth-placed Forest Green Rovers.
Mark Cooper’s side have bounced back from a run of five defeats in six by taking seven points from their last three outings, including an impressive 3-0 victory away at play-off rivals Colchester United.
Only three other teams have lowest fewer times than Rovers, who also boast one of the division’s best defensive records.
A tough test, therefore, awaits Paul Tisdale and MK Dons.
Eyes on promotion rivals
The focus for MK Dons this weekend will be to take care of their own business but that won’t stop them looking out for other results in the division come the final whistle.
The first score they will check for will, no doubt, be Exeter City versus Mansfield Town, with the latter sitting just three points behind the Dons in the Sky Bet League Two table.
Other games of interest for the Dons include fourth-placed Tranmere Rovers against Carlisle United, second-placed Bury at home to Cambridge United and leaders Lincoln City against Macclesfield Town.
Facing one of our own
There is a familiar face in the Forest Green Rovers ranks - MK Dons Academy graduate George Williams.
The namesake of Dons’ current number 2 - also an academy product - Williams progressed through the youth ranks at Stadium MK and became the Club’s youngest scorer when he found the net at the age of 16 in an Emirates FA Cup tie with Nantwich Town in November 2012.
Williams went on to play a part for the Dons’ first-team that season before moving to Premier League side Fulham. The forward, who returned to the Club on loan while on the books at Craven Cottage, left the Cottagers in May 2018 and subsequently signed for Forest Green Rovers.
The 23-year-old has been in inspired form for Rovers this term, scoring seven goals in 40 appearances, and netting his first senior hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Newport County.
Alex Gilbey’s availability
MK Dons supporters will have had their fingers crossed ever since midfielder Alex Gilbey limped off the pitch early in last Saturday’s win over Yeovil Town.
There has yet to be an update on the injury, with Paul Tisdale saying after the game that he hadn’t been able to check on the 24-year-old’s status.
Tis is set to meet with the media on Thursday afternoon where he is likely to be asked about Gilbey’s condition and his subsequent availability for the weekend.
Agard and Aneke battling for top goalscorer
Just when it appeared Kieran Agard was running away with the Club’s top goalscorer award, Chuks Aneke has fought back to close the gap on his strike partner.
Aneke has netted in each of his last two appearances to take his total for the season to 18 and move back to within two goals of his strike partner Agard, who sits on 20.
With seven games left to play, the top goalscorer award is still very much up for grabs.
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Tickets for Saturday's clash with Forest Green Rovers remain available in covered and uncovered standing areas, with prices starting from £17 adults, £13 over-65s, £8 under-12s and £5 under-16s, while under-11s go FREE. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the game.
Official Away Travel is available for this fixture, priced at £16 Season Ticket holders and £17 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 10.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets and travel will remain available to buy up until 5pm on Friday.
