Paul Warne’s MK Dons travel to the JobServe Community Stadium to face Danny Cowley’s Colchester United in an all-League Two FA Cup tie.
The Dons’ trips to Essex of late haven’t been fruitful, with the last win in Colchester coming under Graham Alexander, with Matt Dennis scoring a 100th minute winner to beat Ben Garner’s U’s.
MK Dons last game in the FA Cup came this time last year in the first round, with a rather embarrassing defeat to rivals AFC Wimbledon at Stadium MK.
Colchester United’s FA Cup run also came to an abrupt end last season in the first round, losing 2-1 in extra time to Swindon Town.
MK Dons Team News
Paul Warne looks to have almost a full squad back in training, with most available for the weekend cup tie.
Aaron Collins, Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Charlie Waller have all returned to training.
Warne says that Collins may not be available until after the trip to Barnet next weekend, but Lemonheigh-Evans is fit and ready for the trip to Essex.
Craig MacGillivray has returned home and is going through the concussion protocol after a horror collision at Bromley, but looks to be back on the mend and could be back in training today.
Callum Paterson is feeling better after struggling with illness and could play more of a part this weekend.
Kane Wilson and Laurence Maguire remain in the treatment room.
Predicted MK Dons XI
Paul Warne hinted at making some changes to give people on the fringes some game time, here’s how I think the Dons will line up:
GK: Connal Trueman
RWB: Aaron Nemane
CB: Luke Offord
CB: Marvin Ekpiteta
CB: Jack Sanders
LWB: Joe Tomlinson
CM: Dan Crowley
CM: Kane Thompson-Sommers
CM: Alex Gilbey
ST: Rushian Hepburn-Murphy
ST: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing
Possible starters: Jon Mellish (LWB), Will Collar (CM), Liam Kelly (CM), Jonathan Leko (ST).
Key Battle – Harry Anderson vs Aaron Nemane
Harry Anderson has been the standout for Danny Cowley’s men this season, scoring a hat trick in their last home game against Harrogate Town in League Two.
Aaron Nemane, who has been fantastic this season but still has question marks over his head in terms of his defensive abilities, will have to be at his best to stop the Colchester left winger.
Match Prediction
Colchester United 0-2 MK Dons
I think MK Dons will get the job done in 90 minutes.
Although the focus is on the League this season, it would be nice for the Dons to have a good cup run once again, with the club not having the best history in the FA Cup.
The squad will be rotated for this game, but I think MK have the strength in numbers to get the better of Colchester United.
