On Saturday, we make the short trip to the Kassam Stadium – Home of MK Dons’ next opponents Oxford United. In preparation for the match, we spoke to Oxford United fan Luke (lukeoufcbodily38) on Twitter to ask some questions regarding the game.
- Are you happy with Oxford’s start to the season so far?
No, it’s been relatively poor. We had a good set of fixtures to get us up and running but we have been way off it. So many injuries already into the season, and we’ve been without some big players but hopefully over the next couple of weeks those players will be back.
- Now that the transfer window has closed, what are your thoughts on your club’s activity in the window?
The transfer window was a big failure to be honest, although we signed the likes of Josh Murphy and Yanick Wildschut, they are both out injured. Stuart Findlay has been the best signing for me, a good defender at this level. We had a poor deadline day; we were expecting 4 or 5 players in and we only ended up with 1. The squad is very threadbare.
- Based on the start of the season, where do you think, Oxford will finish come the end of the season?
It’s too early to tell, I really don’t expect us in the top 6. I think Karl Robinson is under huge pressure.
- What’s the Oxford fans’ view of Karl Robinson at the moment? There have been a few outcries for him to be replaced.
The views are getting divided. The transfer window wasn’t good enough and the results have been poor. As I said, he’s under big pressure – lose on Sunday and the atmosphere will turn. I think if we did a poll now on his job it would be close, some fans have had enough and others think he has some credit left. For me, I think a change in manager now would be the right move, but I also see why the board sticking by him…for now.
- What style of play can the Dons expect from Oxford United on Saturday, a high press or tightly knit defence and hit on the break?
We are known for playing football the right way but on Tuesday it was ugly – hoof ball, it was very poor. Although at the end we could have pinched a point, but Plymouth should have been out of sight beforehand. Many fans don’t recognise this Oxford side at the moment.
- Will the expectations from the fans be a top 6 place, or a can they aim higher?
The plan is always Top 6, and we’ve been in and around it for a few seasons now, but right now I’ll see avoiding relegation as a bonus.
- Which Oxford player/s should we watch out for on Saturday?
The main man is Cameron Brannagan. He’s been immense as always – he’s far too good for this division. Marcus Muguane has been outstanding also this season he really has come on leaps and bounds. Marcus Browne on his day is unplayable but he’s coming back from injury, so I think he’ll be on the bench again.
- The Dons have had a very laboured start to the season. Where do you think they will finish at the end of the season?
MK Dons and Oxford have a bit in common to be honest, both having poor starts despite both being expected to be up there. But you have lost Twine and Darling who were big players for you. I’m a big fan of Liam Manning, and think you’ll come good again, just wait until after Saturday though 😉
- This fixture has always been a fiercely contested affair, but the Dons have failed to win any of their previous league games at the Kassam Stadium. Do you think they can come away with a victory or do you think the run will continue?
They are always good games, normally 2 good footballing sides going at it, but either side at the moment can afford to be pretty. You are due a win at K****m, but I see this being a tight game ending in a draw.
- If you could have any current Dons player, who would it be?
Obviously, it would been Twine but he’s moved on to Burnley, so for me it would have to be Ethan Robson.
- Who or what made you support Oxford United?
I was brought up on Manchester United, but my Dad said to me always support your local side and brother was always Oxford, so I went to my first game in 1993 with my late Dad and brother and have been going ever since. I wouldn’t change it for anything – I’ve been there in the dark days of nearly going bust to going out the football league. I bleed yellow and blue.
- What is the general consensus around Oxford United when they play the Dons. Do they see MK Dons as one of their main rivals now?
No. Definitely not rivals it’s just a local game. There’s only 1 rivalry we have, and that lot are in League Two and I hope they stay there for a long time.
- Which game/s are you most looking forward to this season?
I think we all look forward to every game as fans don’t, we? I wouldn’t single any particular game out we are used to playing these so-called big sides with an ego like Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday etc. They all bang on about fanbases when in reality all that matters is 3 points.
- Thank you for participating, it really helps us understand our opponents and what to expect from them. Finally, what do you think the score will be?
I said a draw in an earlier question, and I’ll stick with it. Oxford United 1-1 MK Dons, with MK grabbing a late equaliser.
