mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend's Sky Bet League Two encounter with Stevenage at Stadium MK...
Getting back on track
For the first time in over a month, the Dons are forced to bounce back from a defeat following their 4-2 reverse at Morecambe in midweek.
Paul Tisdale’s men had won their five games prior to Tuesday’s weather-affected contest at the Globe Arena - form which has put them right in the mix for an automatic promotion place with nine games to go.
With Mansfield Town not in action until Monday, the Dons can move back into the top three with a result at the weekend. A win would see them go three points clear of the Stags and put pressure on them to cause an upset at leaders Lincoln City.
Three in a row at Stadium MK
Paul Tisdale’s side can make it three straight Stadium MK wins with a victory over Boro at the weekend.
Their last two home wins came during back-to-back weeks - their 2-0 triumph over Newport County which was followed straight up by a 1-0 defeat of Crawley Town.
The Dons, once again, have successive home matches in front of them - Stevenage and Yeovil Town - and will be looking to repeat their success with another two home delights.
Another win would take their total for the season to 13 home successes. That would be the fourth-best return in the Club’s history behind the 2006/07 (14), 2010/11 (14) and 2014/15 (16) campaigns.
Tisdale’s Dons are on course to beat all of those totals this term.
Any defensive reinforcements?
Joe Walsh has been added to MK Dons’ injury list, making it five defenders confirmed as sidelined along with George Williams, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Mathieu Baudry and Baily Cargill.
It remains to be seen if any of the above can return in time for Saturday’s visit of Stevenage.
Tisdale did address the injury situation in his embargoed interview after Tuesday’s defeat at Morecambe but wasn’t in a position to say whether he expected any to be back in contention.
Kieran catching Will Grigg
Kieran Agard became only the third MK Dons player in history to score 20 goals in a season when he netted twice at Morecambe in midweek.
That total has him ranked behind Will Grigg (22) and Izale McLeod (24).
In terms of league goals, Agard’s tally of 18 is, again, ranked third behind Will Grigg’s 20 and Izale McLeod’s 21.
The 29-year-old is now within a goal off tying Dean Bowditch and Daniel Powell for third in the Club’s all-time league scoring charts. Agard is sixth in the Club’s all-time goalscorer list, one more finish behind Sam Baldock.
Can he continue to climb the charts by finding the net on Saturday?
Make up for October defeat
While Paul Tisdale and the first-team aren’t ones to look back on previous fixtures, MK Dons supporters will remember - for the wrong reasons - the trip to Stevenage back in late November.
Leading 2-1 with six minutes to play, Boro fought back at the Lamex Stadium to secure a dramatic victory and end the Dons’ nine-game unbeaten run.
While three points on Saturday will carry more importance in terms of promotion aspirations, it may also go some way to banishing the ghosts of that loss in Hertfordshire.
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Make A Day Of It when MK Dons take on Stevenage this weekend at Stadium MK.
Supporters will be able to enjoy a host of activity in a Marshall Arena Fan Zone prior to kick-off, with the fun getting underway from midday. Fans will be able to watch the lunchtime TV game on a big screen while, for the kids, we have inflatables and football-related games to keep them occupied ahead of the big kick-off.
Tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons members. This includes entry to the Marshall Arena Fan Zone from midday.
Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for just £5 more while an upgrade to clubRed is available for a £10 premium.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will also be available from the cash-only ticket booths right up until kick-off.
