With last weeks match against Macclesfield cancelled due to inclement weather, MK Dons travel to the south-west this weekend well rested and fully prepared for their clash with Bristol Rovers.
Vital Quotes:
‘Once again, we have prepared thoroughly for Saturday’s game at Bristol Rovers and I think it’s safe to say that the players cannot wait to get playing competitive football again, especially after winning at Bury two weeks ago.’
Adrian Whitbread – Assistant Manager, MK Dons
‘We know we have the potential to win every game in this division, and if we can string a run of five or six results together then it puts us right back in the hunt. Three points against MK Dons would go a long way to getting our season back on track.’
Lewis Haldane – Striker, Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers Team News:
Paul Trollope has this week added Joe Jacobson and Sam Oji to his side in an attempt to strengthen Rovers defence. Jacobson, a Wales under-21 international, arrives from Cardiff City until the end of the season while Oji comes in from Birmingham City. Both will be available for selection on Saturday but are expected to start on the bench.
Defender Steve Elliott should be available after spending the early part of the week recovering from injury. Byron Anthony however, is out for at least another month with a knee problem.
Player to watch: Richard Walker
Rovers top striker this season with a total of 15 goals to his tally.
MK Dons Team News:
Aaron Wilbraham awaits a late decision following an ankle injury picked up at Bury. Lee Harper is fully fit and in contention for the keeper slot. Izale McLeod serves the fourth of his five match ban.
Player to watch: Leon Knight
Having now spent some time with the Dons squad following his January transfer from Swansea, Knight will be the one to watch at Bristol. If he hits form, Knight will be more than an adequate replacement for the suspended Izale McLeod.
Match Facts & Stats
The Dons beat mid-table Rovers 2-1 earlier in the season at the NHS and the Pirates form so far this season has been erratic. Beaten 4-3 at Grimsby last week due largely to poor defending, Rovers manager Paul Trollope has bolstered his defence this week with two loan signings and will be hoping for a vast improvement in form.
MK Dons have been riding high all season and are well placed to compete for one of the three coveted automatic promotion places. A blip in form over the Christmas period however was reversed at Bury two weeks ago and Martin Allen will be looking to maintain his sides winning ways as they enter the final third of the 2006/07 season.
Ref Watch:
Refereee: D S MCDERMID,
Officials: I A Evans and L Swabey,
Fourth Official : A Williams
Match Prediction:
A well organised MK Dons side itching to play following a two week lay off will be too much to handle for mid-table Rovers. 2-0 to the Dons.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 20th February 2007
MK Dons -v- Mansfield
National Hockey Stadium
Kick Off – 7.45pm
