PREVIEW: SWINDON TOWN V MK DONS

SWINDON TOWN will play host to League Two play-off rivals MK Dons this Saturday at the County Ground. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker previews the clash ahead of what looks set to be a mouth-watering encounter.

Their latest matchup ending in a 1-1 draw with the clubs facing each other in Swindon’s League One relegation season of 16/17, means Town will be looking to end a torrid run of results against the London outfit, having lost five of the two clubs last seven encounters.  

But having not played each other in a League Two fixture since 2007, Phil Brown will be hoping his squad can take advantage of Swindon’s high scoring home record this season.

Currently positioned in 11th place of the League table on eight points, Swindon will face arguably their toughest opponent of the campaign so far, with Saturday’s opponents currently three points above occupying the division's second place spot. 

But with so few points separating the top of the table from the bottom at this early stage of the season, don’t let league positions fool you too much.

Unbeaten at the County Ground in League fixtures so far this season, and having only been beaten once in the fourth tier of English football since the beginning of May, Swindon Town will be hopeful of once again earning all three points in front of the STFC faithful. 

However having drawn their last two outings, most recently splitting the points with local rivals Forest Green Rovers in a drab 1-1 draw, Phil Brown will be backing his talented Robins side to start firing in the goals at the weekend once again.

Town midfielder Michael Doughty currently leads the League Two top scorer table having scored five goals already this season, and Swindon will be relying on him once again to find the back of the net on Saturday as they aim to extend their unbeaten home run. 

However, against a strong MK Dons side that have only conceded two League goals this season, means it will be an uphill task to secure a home victory for the SN1 club.

In contrast, MK Dons have scored five goals all season, with Kieran Agard the team’s current top scorer having scored twice already.

But with the Dons having only scored two goals on the road all season means the visitors are likely to rely on their defensive capabilities more than their attacking prowess as Paul Tisdale aims to take his side top of the League.

Injury and suspension concerns for Swindon leaves Brown without four of his squad players. James Dunne will serve the second game of his three-match ban following his reckless challenge against Crawley, whilst Dion Conroy, Kaiyne Woolery, and Chris Robertson remain out injured.

Saturday’s match gives both teams the opportunity to push on following relatively respectable starts to the season, and Swindon fans will be hoping for another exciting encounter at the County Ground after previously twice coming from behind to earn the win.

Town’s ability to outscore their opponents is what has led to their early success already this season, but against a strong MK Dons side, Swindon will have to be as strong in defence as they are in attack if they are to take extend their unbeaten home record.