By Steve Manning
The Dons v Bolton Wanderers – Preview
Venue: Stadium MK (capacity: 30,500 for football)
Competition: EFL League One – Match day: 8 of 46
Form:
Dons – Position: 18th P7, W2, D1, L4 GF 7 & GA 8, Pts 7
Top League scorer: Will Grigg & Bradley Johnson – 2 each
Top assist provider: Darragh Burns, Dawson Devoy, Conor Grant, Matt Smith, Bradley Johnson – 1 each
Bolton – Position: 8th P7, W3, D2 L 2, GF 8 & GA 6, Pts 11
Top League scorer: Conor Bradley & Kyle Dempsey – 2 each.
Top assist provider: Conor Bradley – 2.
Previous League results: Both Dons and Bolton’s previous fixture’s scheduled for 10th September were postponed in in act of respect towards the Royal Family.
Last meeting: 26th February 2022, Stadium MK – Dons 2 Bolton 0
The game on Saturday 10th September was postponed, as a mark of respect towards the Royal Family, following the sad news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s passing at Balmoral Castle on Thursday evening, 8th September. Everyone connected to the MKDSA sends the Royal family their deepest condolences at this time.
How could Dons line up?
The Dons again are likely to utilise both 3-4-3 & 4-2-3-1 formations as Manning and Hogg continue to persevere with their favoured wing-based style of play.
Possible Dons XI:
1. Jamie Cumming.
4. Jack Tucker, 5. Warren O’Hora, 3. Dean Lewington (c);
12. Daniel Oyegoke, 14. Bradley Johnson, 7. Matt Smith, 21. Daniel Harvie.
20. Darragh Burns, 9. Will Grigg, 19. Louie Barry.
How could The Trotters line up?
The Trotters boss Ian Evatt prefers an attacking 3-4-1-2 formation, Darius Charles & Amadou Bakayoko are Evatt’s go to options up front.
Possible Trotters XI:
19. James Trafford.
2. Gethin Jones, 5. Ricardo Santos (c), 6. George Johnston.
21. Conor Bradley, 25. George Thomason, 4. MJ Williams, 14. Jack Iredale.
20. Kieran Lee.
10. Darius Charles, 11. Amadou Bakayoko.
One’s to Watch
14. Bradley Johnson – The Dons: This is the kind if game that Johnson should excel in, the type of game that is likely to be gritty with the visitors known for their love of dishing out rough tackles. Johnson’s experience should shine through and help keep his teammates composed, who knows Brad might just impose himself on this one. My one to watch.
21. Conor Bradley – Bolton: Right back Bradley is on loan at the UniBol stadium from Liverpool FC’s academy. The youngster was central to the Trotters success over Charlton Athletic on September 3rd as he scored and turned Provider as well. Bradley possesses lighting pace, and decent ability on the ball, he will hurt Manning’s team if left to his own devices. One to watch.
Score Prediction
Dons 1 Bolton 1
Two attacking sides in differing form here, The Dons have never lost a fixture against Bolton at home – I think that run will continue tonight with the points being shared.
Goal Scorer? The man on fire who else, Will Grigg.
Match Odds supplied by Oddschecker.
Dons win: 7/5 Draw: 2/1 Bolton win: 17/10
Game to finish 1-1: 19/4 Both Teams to Score: 17/20
I can see the club honouring Her Majesty in some way tonight, if it happens, I would like to think that this will be observed from our side at least in true Dons fashion, impeccably.
As always, I wish you all a safe journey if you are making your way to MK1 tonight, and enjoy the game. Most importantly of all COYD!
Until Next Time, SM.
