Hope you’re loving our main picture this week; think we might keep this one for a bit.
Many thanks again to Trash Talk Tom who managed to track down a friendly Crewe Alexandra fan to give us an insight into who we should be looking out for as the main dangers to our lads. This week we are indebted to 27-year-old Crewe Alex fan James Hidleston.
Can you give us an interesting fact about your club?
There once was a penalty taken at the railway end of our ground that was so bad the ball ended up in Carlisle (landed on a freight train running behind the stand).
Who is likely to be your player to make a difference in our clash?
Key player could be any of Wintle, Ng, Kirk, Lowery or Pickering, but most likely to be Wintle, whenever he receives the ball he always seems to create 5 yards of space around him and can pass the ball through the eye of a needle, if we keep him fit we can win the midfield battle against any side in this league.
Every club is relying on Academy players this season, who is likely to be your breakthrough player?
Breakthrough player for us this season I anticipate to be Luke Offord, came in at centre half towards the end of the season despite never playing for the first team before and being naturally a midfielder, he didn’t put a foot wrong and looked like a seasoned pro and we expect even more from him this year, although early indications are Owen Dale is getting more of a chance whilst Daniel Powell is injured so hopefully he can kick on.
What sort of playing style will we see from your team?
We will play the standard expansive passing football, we are known for our tikka taka type football, but Dave Artell has also instilled some grit into the squad, meaning we are no longer the pushovers in a challenge we used to be. Being in a higher league should actually enhance us because the pitches are so much better than in league 2 so gives us a better opportunity to play our fast fluid passing game.
Where do you see your team finishing in the League this season?
My target for the season is between 10th and 5th, with our style of play and the cohesion of the squad, as well as the additions I wouldn’t be surprised to see us sneak into the playoffs.
A few games in, so have you revaluated your thoughts on the season ahead?
The league is certainly tougher than I anticipated, but we have had 4 or 5 nailed on start’s injured still so I am still confident of a top 10 finish, the new signing’s, especially Mandron seem to have enhanced us, if we can cut out lapses in defensive concentration then we will be comfortably top half.
Who are you most concerned about in the MK Dons team?
My biggest concern at MK Dons is not actually a player but the manager, older managers tend to be more predictable in the way the team will set up and tactics whereas younger managers are more open to adapting and changing things up, and having had the playing career he did, his tactical knowledge will be second to none. Don’t be surprised to see MK in a much stronger position next season after he’s had 12 months experience and built his own squad. The addition of Keogh could be vital as his experience and ability will bring the younger players on no end.
Where do you see the MK Dons finishing in the League this season?
I would say 10th-13th.
Predictions for the game?
I see a 2-1 home win for Crewe and either a 1-1 or 1-0 either way in the reverse fixture.
Who do you see as the most likely team to win the league this season?
Before the season I would have said Wigan or maybe even Blackpool, but early indications are Ipswich are going to be there or there about, so I will say Ipswich.
Any other comments?
The new wage cap rule is the best news from the EFL in years should even up the playing field for the smaller clubs this year and could see a couple of “Wycombe’s” up there.
Editor – I know its early days, but some top notch answers there…good luck for the season James and thank you.
