MK Dons enter Matchday 21 of the League Two season as the leaders and they will look to maintain that position as Carlisle United make the long trip down to Milton Keynes this Saturday.
MK Dons Look to Maintain League Position as They Host Carlisle
Fitness Hopes For The Visitors
Carlisle have been blighted by inconsistency this season. They were the first team to lose to bottom side Macclesfield Town, yet recorded an outstanding 4-0 away win at Swindon, as well as holding high-flying Lincoln to a draw away from home.
Injuries have not helped this topsy-turvy form but manager John Sheridan has been handed a boost by the potential return of four players for the game against MK Dons. He confirmed that Danny Grainger, Tom Parkes and Jamie Devitt will be in the 18-man squad, while Jason Kennedy has been given permission to step up his recovery after seeing a specialist about his injury.
MK Dons have made no confirmation over injuries to Chuks Aneke and Jordan Mooe-Taylor that were picked up in the win over Morecambe nine days ago but have able replacements in both areas if the pair are not deemed fit enough.
Key Men
MK Dons
Many thought that Alex Gilbey had been rushed back from injury far too soon at the start of the season. The midfielder was not meant to return until around the Christmas period but shocked many when he made the starting eleven for the opening game of the season.
His form has grown as the season has gone on and this was consolidated in the last game against Morecambe when his second-half double gave MK Dons the three points. The brace will have done wonders for his confidence and it should give him a platform to build on, starting with the Carlisle fixture.
Carlisle United
Jamie Devitt currently sits second in Carlisle’s scoring charts for the season, as well as having two assists. He is set to make his return from injury in this game and will be looking to get back on the goal trail as soon as possible.
The midfielder is only bettered by Ashley Nadesan in terms of scoring and he is another that the Dons will have to be wary of.
Prediction
There’s no reason that Carlisle cannot put up an impressive performance in this game, especially after their positive results at Swindon and Lincoln. However, MK Dons are really starting to turn on the style and this is the sort of game that should be routine for them if they are to fulfil their aim of automatic promotion.
It probably won’t be a glamorous affair, but expect the Dons to get the job done.
Prediction: MK Dons 2-0 Carlisle United
Main Photo
