Graham Alexander is expecting a tough test at the Mornflake Stadium as his MK Dons side go in search of a third successive Sky Bet League Two victory.
Alexander’s Dons face Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, looking to stretch their unbeaten run to three games and maintain their position at the top of the Sky Bet League Two table.
They do, though, face a Crewe team that are unbeaten on their own patch – Alexander is expecting a difficult challenge against the Railwaymen.
“We expect another tough game,” the MK Dons Head Coach said in his pre-match press conference.
“We know of Crewe's strengths and their attributes, but I'm sure they'll know of ours as well. It's still too early to judge (league positions) but I'll never talk about the other team's league position or even their previous results.
“We set our standards, what we've done well in previous games and where we have to improve. Every game is on an edge all the way through, as well, and it’s about taking those moments when they fall in your favour.”
The Dons travel to Cheshire as one of the division’s top scorers, having hit 12 goals in their first five games – tied for the most an MK Dons side has tallied in as many games at the start of a season.
“That’s what we want,” Alexander said. “(All the strikers) have got goals and that’s brilliant for us.
“Any striker who has played under us before, they have always had chances to score. We build our play around the strikers but we need more than two or three to contribute – and that’s all over the pitch.”
One striker that Alexander may not have at his disposal on Saturday is top scorer Mo Eisa, who limped out of last weekend’s win at Doncaster Rovers. Providing an update on his frontman on Wednesday, Alexander said: “He's still not trained with us.
“It's a sore one on his foot and it can be painful. We'll be led by the player because they know how sore it really is, and their threshold.
“We'll give him every opportunity to be a part of the squad on Saturday but I never take risks with players - there's no use having a good player that's only 70 per cent fit. We'll assess him over the next few days and pick the team accordingly.”
And, in terms of not rushing players back, the same goes for captain Dean Lewington.
“He has missed half of pre-season and then all the training until now, and the games too. Tuesday was a good step forward for him but I know what it takes to play 90 minutes every three days, and he’s not there yet.”
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Tickets for Saturday's Sky Bet League Two clash with Crewe Alexandra will be available to buy ahead of kick-off from the away ticket office at the Mornflake Stadium, priced at £27 adults, £21 senior citizens/17-19 year-olds, £13 12-16 year-olds and £7.50 11 years and under.
Can't make the game? Listen LIVE on iFollow MK Dons with an Audio Match Pass - CLICK HERE to purchase your Audio Match Pass for £2.50!
