Gary Christie
Predicted MK Dons Lineup To Face Wigan Athletic On The Opening Day
MK Dons start their League One campaign at home to recently relegated Wigan Athletic and, despite the predictable loss of some key personnel, the Latics will still represent a tough start for Robbie Neilson’s side.
Given the preferred style of play of both clubs, the game itself should be a fair spectacle and hopefully, a good passing affair is produced, though day one is about getting a result on the board and that’s not something that is lost on either manager.
With that in mind, it’s about the basics here. So Neilson may stick with a favoured 4-2-3-1, featuring a XI looking something like this:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Robbie Neilson
GK – Lee Nicholls
He’s not certain to start, now that Wieger Sietsma is at the club. But a chance could be taken here that he’ll be given the nod.
RB – George Williams
The full-back is settled having been at the club for a year now and may make a bigger impact this term.
CB – Paul Downing
May get the nod in defence ahead of Joe Walsh and will partner Ebans-Landell.
CB – Ethan Ebanks-Landell
The man on loan from Wolves could be quite a catch given that he was only allowed out because of all the quality the Molineux side have purchased this close season.
LB – Dean Lewington
The skipper is quite an age now for a full-back but brings tons of experience to the table.
CM – Aaron Tshibola
The on-loan Aston Villa man looks capable of making a big impression in this division and is well capable of getting himself forward from midfield.
CM – Ousseynou Cisse
A free signing from Tours; if Cisse settles in alright, he could prove to be quite an astute acquisition.
RW – Gboly Ariyibi
Another loan man, this time having arrived from Nottingham Forest and one who is looking to add a ‘wow factor’ to the team.
CAM – Conor McGrandles
Although Chuks Aneke still ranks as an exciting prospect, it could be McGrandles who could get the nod here having signed from Norwich City on a free transfer at the beginning of July. At his age, he can only get better. So he is someone to watch out for.
LW – Peter Pawlett
A free arrival from Aberdeen, Pawlett will bring some genuine quality to this league and can play anywhere across the attacking midfield areas.
ST – Kieran Agard
The striker got 12 in 42 last season but is looking to better than ever and should hopefully reach the 20-goal mark in the league this time around.
