mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into MK Dons' Sky Bet League One clash with Blackpool this weekend...
Dons looking to go back-to-back in the league
MK Dons secured successive victories for the first time this season last week, backing up their 3-0 Leasing.com Trophy triumph at Stevenage by beating AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at Stadium MK in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Now Paul Tisdale and his men will want to go back-to-back in the league, with Blackpool their opponents this weekend in Sky Bet League One.
Should they come out on top, it will be the first time since March that they have won consecutive league matches. March was also the last time that the Dons had won three in a row in all competitions.
Sam Nombe’s hot streak
Sam Nombe continued his fine form last weekend by scoring the opener in the 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon.
It was the 20-year-old’s first league start and it took him just nine minutes to get on target and make it four goals in as many matches.
Since coming into the side for the Carabao Cup tie with Southend United, Nombe has contributed five goals in four games, courtesy of the aforementioned four goals and his assist for Hiram Boateng in the 4-1 win at Roots Hall.
Will the hot streak continue this weekend in the North West?
Strikers contributing
It’s not only Sam Nombe who has contributed in front of goal this term.
Nombe, Rhys Healey, Kieran Agard and Jordan Bowery have had a hand in a combined 15 goals across the Dons’ nine matches so far in all competitions. In the last four matches, strikers have found the seven times and provided three assists.
It’s a positive sign for Tisdale, who will be hoping his striking options contribute once again in this weekend’s encounter.
Blackpool an early pace setter
MK Dons face one of their toughest road tests of the season so far on Saturday as they visit sixth-placed Blackpool.
The Tangerines have lost just one of their opening seven league matches, winning four and scoring an impressive 12 goals.
At Bloomfield Road, Simon Grayson’s side are unbeaten in 90 minutes and have found the net 12 times, including five in their last outing - a 5-1 thrashing of Morecambe in the Leasing.com Trophy.
The giant Armand Gnanduillet leads the way with five goals to his name in all competitions while Sullay Kaikai is a man in form - he has three goals in his last two appearances.
Regan Poole returns
MK Dons welcome back defender Regan Poole from international duty this weekend.
The defender, who has provided two assists in four appearances since arriving at the Club from Manchester United, has been in Wrexham with Wales Under-21s as they began their 2021 UEFA Under-21 Championships qualifying campaign.
Poole captained Wales for their matches with Belgium and Germany, helping them pick up three valuable points en route to the upcoming Finals.
He will return to Stadium MK for training on Thursday and Tisdale will hope to have him involved at the weekend.
Callum Brittain and Baily Cargill absent last weekend
MK Dons were without two defenders for last Saturday’s win over AFC Wimbledon due to injury.
Both Callum Brittain and Baily Cargill missed the clash and add to an injury list which already features Ben Reeves, Jordan Moore-Taylor and Joe Mason.
Paul Tisdale may provide an update on the pair in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
***
Tickets for Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash with Blackpool are priced at £19 adults, £17 seniors/under-22s, £9 under-17s and £4 under-12s while under-5s go FREE.
Official Away Travel is available for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £27 Season Ticket holders/members and £28 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 8.45am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickers will be available to buy from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
