MK Dons travel to the millers for ‘their first game in the 2nd Tier’, probably more thankful of such a bedding in fixture than being dropped in at the deep end.
A 2-0 home defeat last season by promotion rivals Preston with 12 left to play only seemed to spur the Dons on winning 8 of their last 10 and scoring 32 goals along the way. Rob Hall looks a handful with his driving runs and goals. They’ve done a little business over the summer of note bringing in the highly experienced Matthew Upson, time will tell how well those 36 year old legs will stand the pace. England u19 youngster Sam Gallagher is there on a season long loan from Southampton and Sergio Aguza will try life in England following the switch from Real Madrid’s B team, Castilla.
MK will see this one as a benchmark to where they’re at, full of confidence no doubt and be prepared to have a go at us. This is by no means an easy one for the millers, with a virtually new team on show, it could end up being one of those bizarre opening day goal fests.
I suspect they'll end up comfortably mid-table. Their possession game suits this level of football, and think they do have quality in key areas and on paper have added well.
Let's hope they get off to a slow start though and struggle against ou "up-and-at-'em" style with the roar of the NYS making it that extra bit difficult for them.
It should be a home win (by a goal) on paper. Also, bound to be one of our (probable) relegation rivals. Which ever way you look at it, we have to be taking more points from them than they us otherwise we havent moved forward.
Be an interesting team selection. Only Smallwood & Derbyshire certain to start from last seasons side. Right back think Halford only a stand in, sooner have Buxton or Richardson. Need a big bloke up front, know SE won't but I'd start with JCH. He's confident in himself, but needs to feel confidence from the manager.
