What Sunderland can expect when they face up to MK Dons
Alex Neil will take charge of his first home game as Sunderland boss this weekend – but what can the Black Cats expect from promotion rivals MK Dons?
The Dons were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland in August, but have moved two points ahead of the Wearsiders in League One - having played the same number of games.
Liam Manning’s side have also lost just one of their last 11 league fixtures to climb into the play-off positions.
Tofindoutmore,wecaught up with Toby Lock, sports editor for the MK Citizen, to get the inside track:
We saw Sunderland beat MKDonsinAugust,howhave they fared since?
TL: “It was Liam Manning's first game in charge that day, so things have changed significantly!
"Dons have been a totally different entity this season compared to last, and that early season game, although it was a cracking encounter has similarities, Dons are far more drilledandinamoregrittyand battling fashion.
"That game felt like there were still elements of a Russell MartinstyletoDons,theywere a little pedestrian at times. Under Manning, the philosophy is the same but it's done at a quicker rate.”
What have the fans made of Liam Manning?
TL:“Manninghasbeenareal hit. He's very level-headed, doesn't get too carried away whenDonswin,norwhenthey
lose and he has ingrained that into the culture at the club.
"The fans like him because the team is performing well, and winning which of course helps wins the mob over!”
What formation are MK Dons likely to play?
TL: “They'll play 3-4-3, or 3-2-2-2-1 - depending on how you want to read modern formations!
"Basically, a back three,
wing-backs, two central midfielders and two in behind the striker.
"It's a formation which allows them to go into a more attacking stance should they needto,orshut-upshopifthey come under pressure with counter-attacking options in there.”
Who are their key players?
LM: “Scott Twine is the obvious candidate because he's the top scorer, he's a creative spark and can score from just about anywhere. He'll chance his arm at it too.
"Defender Harry Darling is also one to watch.
"He loves to roam out of defence when the opportunity arises, and is a real threat from set-pieces of late, having six goals to his name so far.”
The Dons signed former
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham last month, how has he fared?
TL: “It's tough to tell with Wickham really - he has been coming off the bench and I think that's where he'll be doing the majority of his work for Dons to ensure he keeps fit.
"He looks a good hold-up man, likes the rough and tumblewithdefencesandprovided a good assist for Twine in stoppage time the win over Burton a few weeks ago.
"If Dons can get 10-15 appearances out of him by the endoftheseason,Ithinkthey'll consider it a successful spell.”
Can you have a go at a predicted line-up?
TL: “Cumming; O'Hora, Lewington, Darling; Kesler, McEachran, Coventry, Harvie; Corbeanu, Twine; Parrott.”