By Steve Manning
Steve wrote this article before the appointment of Mark Jackson on Friday afternoon.
Venue: Stadiummk (Capacity: 30,500 for football)
Competition: EFL League One – Matchday – 22 of 46
Form
Dons – Position 22nd: Pld 21 W 5 D 3 L 13 gf 21 ga 31 gd 10 Pts 18
Top League Scorer: Bradley Johnson and Will Grigg – 5 goals
Top Assist Provider: Dawson Devoy – 3 assists
Previous result: 20/12/22 – MK Dons 0 Leicester City 3 – Carabao Cup 4 th round
FGR – Position 21 st – Pld 22 W 5 D 5 L 12 gf 19 ga 43 gd -24 Pts 20
Top League Scorer: Connor Wickham – 6 goals
Top Assist Provider: Corey O’Keefe – 6 assists
Previous result: 17/12/22 – Derby Co 4 Forest Green 0 – EFL League One.
Head to head:
Dons wins: 2 Drawn: 1 FGR wins: 0 Dons goals: 3 FGR goals: 3
Leicester in review:
David Martin and Brad Johnson led the Dons against Premier League Leicester City.
The Dons crashed out as the 2016 premier league champions put the managerless home side to the sword, former England striker Jamie Vardy struck the 3 rd goal in a routine win for Brendan Rodgers Foxes.
The search for a new head coach continues though, with Leam Richardson, and Leeds United’s Mark Jackson leading the betting for the vacant position.
The Media Team’s extended match report go to www.mkdsa.org.uk
How Dons could line up?
Bradley Johnson is set to take the team against Forest Green, expect the same formation on Boxing Day.
Possible Dons starting XI:
1. Jamie Cummimg;
4. Jack Tucker, 5. Warren O’Hora (c), 33. Zak Jules;
2. Tennai Watson, 14. Brad Johnson, 6. Josh McEachran, 21. Daniel Harvie;
19. Louie Barry, 10. Mo Eisa, 16. Conor Grant.
How the Green Devils could line up?
Ian Burchnall’s 3-4-1-2 preference had been prevalent this season. Expect the same again.
Possible Green Devils starting XI: 1. Luke McGhee;
3. Dom Bernard, 15. Jordan Moore-Taylor, 6. Bailey Cargill;
2. Corey O’Keefe, 10. Armani Little, 8. Regan Hendry, 11. Harry Boyes;
17. Kyle McAllister;
21. Connor Wickham, 18. Bryan Fiabema
One’s to watch:
Jack Tucker – Dons: maligned by many for some questionable performances this season JT has improved somewhat with the departure of Manning. A big performance here could improve his morale, and endear him further with the fans following his Pompey goal.
Connor Wickham – FGR: Veteran striker Wickham is looking at a possible return to Stadiummk – his departure last summer disappointed some but the former Palace man does have a point to prove and this will provide him with that chance.
Score Prediction:
MK Dons 2 Forest Green 1
A much needed win is my prediction for Boxing Day.
Match Odds supplied by Oddschecker:
Dons win: 20/23 Draw: 12/5 Forest Green win: 16/5
Dons to win 2-1: 7/1
The Talk ahead of this game is rightly about the new Head Coach search, with Leeds United no.2 Mark Jackson the latest favourite for the post.
Only time will tell if the vacancy is filled by kick off, until then let’s get behind Bradley and Dave!
Enjoy the game, safe travels to you all.
Until Next Time, SM.
