Derby County v MK Dons
Pride Park Stadium, Monday 10th April 2023 – Kick-off: 3pm.
Teams & Player Statistics:
Derby County – Position: 7th
Pld 40 W 19 D 10 L 11 gf 61 ga 41 gd +20 Points: 67
Top Scorer: David McGoldrick – 17.
Top Assist Provider: Conor Hourihane – 9.
Previous result: Derby won 2-0 away at doomed Forest Green Rovers, on Good Friday.
MK Dons – Position: 19th
Pld 40 W 11 D 8 L 21 gf 37 ga 57 gd -20 Points: 41
Top Scorer: Mo Eisa – 10 (7 – League / 3 – Cup)
Top Assist Provider: Conor Grant – 6.
Previous result: Dons earned a well earned point against play-off chasing Portsmouth on Good Friday, a 1-all draw in front of over 11,000 at SMK.
Head to head:
Rams wins: 2 Drawn: 0 Dons wins: 1.
Rams goals: 6 Dons goals: 3.
Last meeting: 12/11/23, SMK – EFL League One.
MK Dons 1 Derby County 3.
Pompey in review:
Top scorer Mo Eisa earned the Dons a very decent point, in a 1-1 draw against 10-man Portsmouth.
However, it was Pompey’s Connor Ogilvie (14) who drew first blood for Pompey with a soft opener, and the Blues controlled the fixture in large parts, until Joe Morrell’s crazy, and somewhat controversial sending-off in the 39th minute, after putting his forehead into Dan Harvie’s, while the Scot was on the deck.
Eisa levelled matters with 25 minutes remaining, as Portsmouth parked their bus to attempt to stop their hosts from taking anything from a feisty fixture.
The ten men of Pompey were put under intense pressure, for the remainder of the game, with Matt Macey called into action on several occasions.
Joe Piggott nearly snatched a last gasp winner for his side at the death, his effort crashed over from distance via Jamie Cumming’s crossbar.
A deserved draw, from which neither side could have any grumbles.
How could Derby line-up?
Paul Warne utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation in their 2-0 win over FGR, could see this, or a 4-3-3 set up from the Rams.
Possible Rams starting XI:
Wildsmith; Smith, Chester, Cashin, Roberts; Knight, Hourihane; Mendez-Laing, McGoldrick, Barkhuizen; Collins.
How could Dons line-up?
Mark Jackson’s 5-2-3 formation failed to contain Pompey until the sending off of Joe Morrell. Jacko could attempt to stick with it, there are other options open to him such as the 3-4-3, which has had some success earlier this season.
Possible Dons starting XI:
Cumming; Tucker, Lewington (c), Jules; Stewart, McEachran, Maghoma, Watson; Leko, Eisa, Grant.
One’s to watch?
David McGoldrick – Attacker (Derby): former premier league star McGoldrick has been a major factor in Derby’s promotion hunt – 17 goals in League One so far, his all round footballing nous gives Derby an edge before that first whistle. Still dangerous with the ball at his feet, could be the difference maker against the Dons.
Paris Maghoma – Midfielder (Dons): The Brentford-loanee has made a real impact since his arrival from the Bees. His pace and silky runs deep into the opposition half have had the club’s supporters on the edge of their seats so far. Paris has everything in his arsenal to hurt Derby, I’m tipping him to have a big say in this fixture.
Score prediction:
Derby County 1 MK Dons 1
Dons are in the habit of taking at least a point from those teams in, or around the play-offs, a draw is again my prediction here.
Match Odds supplied by talkSPORT Edge:
Rams win: 4/6 Draw: 29/10 Dons win: 9/2.
Well I hope you have all had a great Easter weekend, and to everyone heading to Derbyshire for this Easter Monday clash, enjoy your day.
Thanks for joining me to preview Derby away, and crunching the numbers!
Until Next Time, SM.
