For the second time in already this season, MK Dons face a team who came down from League One with them last season. After a win against Oldham last week, they come up against Bury, who are managed by a former striker of both clubs, Ryan Lowe.
MK Dons v Bury
Battle of the Bottom Two
These two sides were the bottom two in League One last season. The Dons, though, still managed to finish nine points ahead of their visitors, highlighting just how poor a season Bury had. They lost twice to this week’s hosts last season, going down 2-0 in the game at Gigg Lane and losing 2-1 at Stadium MK.
Bury had the second worst defence in League One last season, behind Northampton (also relegated) but they have bolstered their back-line with the signings of Will Aimson and Tom Miller. Aimson was part of a Blackpool team that managed to survive in League One while Miller joins from Carlisle United.
The Dons have also bolstered their defence, so goals may be at a premium this Saturday with both defences set to be on top.
Key Men
MK Dons
After struggling last season, Kieran Agard started this campaign with a bang, scoring and assisting in the opener against Oldham within the first 25 minutes. His goal came from the penalty spot after George Williams was hauled to the floor, and his assist was a well-placed cross that allowed debutant Ryan Harley to tap home.
This should give Agard a huge confidence boost after such a disappointing season last time out, so Bury should be wary of his ability so that they do not suffer the same fate that Oldham did against him.
As with most teams this season, Bury will also need to be careful of Chuks Aneke. The powerful forward has been recovering from an injury all summer but was able to make the bench for the Oldham clash. Should he do enough to play against Bury, he will surely be at the centre of any action.
Bury
One of the brightest parts of a dire season for Bury in 2017/18 was Jermaine Beckford. Despite only playing 15 times, Beckford found the net eight times, an excellent return for someone who played so inconsistently.
Beckford also had pedigree at the top level having spent time with Everton earlier in his career, and his ability at League One level has been well and truly proven after a couple of excellent seasons with Preston North End. He certainly has the potential to be one of the danger men in League Two, so the MK Dons defence will need to be on their toes should he play.
Prediction
In 12 games against Bury in their history, the Dons have only suffered defeat twice. The most recent time was a 3-1 home loss in 2016, and before that, it was another home loss back in 2007.
With a home advantgae and history on their side, it should be a fairly comfortable afternoon for the Dons, especially considering they are one of the promotion favourites – as such, games against teams that came down with them are ones they need to be winning.
Bury could provide some problems at the back for the Dons, but expect them to stand firm and not concede, learning from their mistakes of last week.
Prediction: MK Dons 2-0 Bury
Main Photo
