By Steve Manning
Venue: Stadium MK (capacity: 30,500 for football)
Competition: League One – Matchday: 12 of 46.
Form
The Dons – Pos: 22nd P 11 W 3 D 1 L 7 GF 12 GA 16 Pts: 10
Top Scorer: Will Grigg – 3 goals.
Top Assist Provider: Dawson Devoy – 2 assists.
The Gas – Pos: 19th P 12 W 3 D 3 L 6 GF 17 GA 23 Pts: 12
Top Scorer: Aaron Collins – 6 goals.
Top Assist Provider: Aaron Collins – 5 assists.
Previous Results
The Dons fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Shrewsbury, while The Gas beat Cambridge 2-1 at home.
Head-to-Head
Dons wins: 9 Drawn: 3 Gas wins: 4 Dons Goals: 24 Gas Goals: 13
Last Meeting
20th April 2021 – Bristol Rovers 0 Dons 2 (at The Memorial Stadium – behind closed doors due to Covid-19).
Shrewsbury Review
Zak Jules’ 54th minute headed effort was not enough to save Liam Manning’s Dons team from defeat away at Shrewsbury in League One.
First half goals from Tom Bayliss, and Jordan Shipley gave Salop a commanding lead heading into the half time break.
Jules’ goal came after some fine work by Devoy found the towering Scot in space at the back post, where he powered the ball home past the home keeper.
The Dons hope of at least a point from this game dissipated when 5 minutes later the diminutive Irishman Devoy lunged in on Shipley in an attempt to win the ball. Referee Woolmer did not hesitate in showing the number 28 a straight red card.
Defeat dropped Dons to 22nd in the table, just months after finishing third and missing out on promotion.
On Loan Bournemouth striker Christian Saydee went close twice before Bayliss opened the scoring 24 minutes into the contest. Saydee was again denied the opportunity to increase the lead by Jamie Cumming before Shipley scored his left footed effort.
The Dons rolled the dice by introducing Brad Johnson, and Matt Smith for the second half as Jamie Cumming denied Saydee yet again a goal that would have given the Shrews a 3-0 lead.
How the Dons could line up: 3-4-3
3-4-3 is the most likely formation again. Don’t be surprised to see a 4-2-3-1 at some point though.
Possible Dons XI
Jamie Cumming.
Jack Tucker, Warren O’Hora, Zak Jules.
Daniel Oyegoke, Bradley Johnson, Ethan Robson, Daniel Harvie.
Darragh Burns, Will Grigg, Louie Barry.
How The Gas could line up: 4-3-1-2
Gas boss Barton has used a 4-3-1-2 formation lately with the aim of fusing defence with attack. This style of play has guaranteed his side goals, but at the same time leaves them open at the back.
Possible Gas XI
Belshaw.
Gibbons, Hoole, Thomas, Gordon.
Evans, Rossiter, Collins.
Finley.
Coburn, Loft.
Ones to Watch
Jamie Cumming – The Dons: The on-loan stopper has been the one consistent performer so far this season for the Dons. One of the reasons no side has really turned MK over in the league so far during this campaign. Posh aside that is.
Josh Coburn – The Gas: Middlesbrough academy graduate Coburn is a rising star in the EFL and is growing a reputation as a potential goal scoring striker.
Coburn has added an extra edge to the Bristol front line and should be considered a real threat for them.
Score Prediction
The Dons 2 Bristol Rovers 1
Dons need to start picking up points again, and Rovers should provide that opportunity. Tonight, sees an opportunity to put right the wrongs of the past week in League One, time to take it you Dons.
Goal Scorers: Bradley Johnson, and Darragh Burns.
Match Odds: Supplied by Oddschecker
Dons win: Evens Draw:12/5 Gas win: 12/5
Dons to win 2-1: 7/1
MKDSA Memberships Available
The MKDSA are taking memberships, and renewals, for the 2022/23 season, from as little as £3 per adult, £1.50 per child, or £8 per family (2 adults, 2 children) for the campaign. Life memberships are also available to buy at £25.
Get yourself one today and be entered into our monthly cash prize draw. It could be you!
You can buy anytime online via www.mkdsa.org.uk, and clicking on the membership tab, or alternatively, visit us at the MKDSA stand situated on the upper concourse, on any home match day. Card payments are accepted in person as well.
If you are going tonight enjoy it, and I wish you safe travels to, and from the game.
Until Next Time, SM.
