MK Dons have faced the likes of Arsenal, Fulham, Norwich City and Coventry City this pre-season, with Lee Nicholls noting the friendlies have upped the standards at Stadium MK.
Russell Martin hosted Emirates FA Cup winners Arsenal during their pre-season schedule, with Sky Bet Championship side Coventry City also visiting MK1 last month.
Elsewhere, Martin’s side travelled to Norwich City and Fulham, with all four sides fielding a number of first-team regulars making for testing friendlies.
“I think our standards have gone up as we’ve had to match the teams we are playing,” Nicholls told iFollow MK Dons in the build-up to Saturday’s Carabao Cup clash with Coventry.
“It includes our fitness and attitude towards the friendlies. I think it’s been good to play against teams that have high standards as that’ll only help us in the long run.
“I think Russ and Luke have done well in pre-season as we’ve had a lot of games over the past few weeks. I think they’ve got us ready for it, I’m raring to go, I think everyone is ready to go.”
In a quirk of fixtures, the Dons welcome the side they faced two weeks ago this Saturday, however, Nicholls believes neither side can read into the friendly.
“I don’t think it matters that we played each other a few weeks ago. It was their first pre-season game and I know both sides have improved a lot since then.
“I think it’s been a long pre-season, it’s been a weird one and having no fans at games is strange - I just can’t wait for the competitive games to come.”
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MK Dons face Coventry City in Round One of the Carabao Cup on Saturday 5 September - their first match of the 2020/21 season. Kick-off is at 3pm.
The only way to watch Russell Martin's men in action is by purchasing a Video Match Pass on iFollow MK Dons. For just £10, you'll have be able to enjoy the game live on your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device, wherever you are!
To purchase a Video Match Pass click HERE. Coverage on Saturday 5 September starts at 2pm on mkdons.com.
