The much hated Franchise visit Edgeley Park today, with County boss Jim Gannon set to give the County fans a few surprises with his team selection.
County could have as many as eight players ruled out due to injury or suspension, and it will mean that players like Michael Malcolm and Greg Tansey will come into the reckoning.
Players swapping positions will also be happening, with Jason Taylor set to move away from the centre of midfield again.
Infact, there is only five players that I know will definitely be starting and in what position.
County are on a bad run of form recently, with just one win in the last eight. However, County have lost just once in the last 16 at Edgeley Park – and have only dropped seven points in that time at home.
MKDonalds are chasing an unlikely automatic promotion, and it would take a massive slip up from Swindon to allow MKDonalds in. They will probably have to settle for a play-off place.
MK Dons won their last game 1-0 against Darlington, but lost their previous game at Shrewsbury. In the game at Shrewsbury EIGHT players got yellow cards, and another got a straight red card. MKDonalds have won just one in the last five.
Dominic Blizzard will be expecting a frosty reception after he left County for MKDonalds halfway through a loan spell at Edgeley Park. It will be interesting to see whether he gets one or not.
Ex County striker Scott Taylor could play, he scored just four goals for County in 19 games.
Vital Quotes:
Jim Gannon: ‘MK Dons are a tough side, very physical and direct and they’ve got some great strikers. They wouldn’t be fourth in the table if they weren’t a good side.
‘We’ve shown we can play against teams like that. We’re just looking to get as many points as we can from these last three games and I’m sure we’ll be in the play-offs at the end of the season.’
Martin Allen: ‘We’ve got to keep the pressure on.
‘Everyone I speak to feels it’s over but I don’t think it is.
‘The fat lady is wearing the Swindon kit but she ain’t singing – there’s still time for her to change her kit and sing our song!
‘We’ve got to get our best team out at Stockport, give it everything we’ve got and see if we can get a win.’
Stockport County Team News:
Liam Dickinson, Michael Raynes, Michael Rose, James Tunnicliffe, Tes Bramble, Adam Proudlock, Rob Clare and Keith Briggs are all likely to miss today.
Keith Briggs, Tes Bramble and Adam Proudlock have the smallest of chances of making the squad – but they will be on the bench at best.
Jason Taylor is set to move again, Greg Tansey and Michael Malcolm look set to feature.
Only goalkeeper Joe Lewis is certain of knowing what position he will be playing in!
Player to watch: Jason Taylor
Has had to try and adapt to different positions in the last few weeks, and will have to try again today.
Will be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure, and how long it is before he is moved to the centre of the park again.
MKDonalds Team News:
MKDonalds will be without Izale Mcleod.
Keith Andrews and Sean O’Hanlon will also probably miss out.
Ex County donkey Aaron Wilbraham, who has been made into a midfielder recently, will miss out with an ankle injury that has ruled him out for the season.
Player to watch: Dominic Blizzard
Left County for some strange reason halfway through his loan spell at Edgeley Park and went to MKDonalds. He will be expecting a frosty reception, but it is unsure of whether or not he will get one.
He’s a good player and it will be a tough midfield battle for whoever has to face him.
Match Odds
County – 5/4
Draw – 23/10
MKDonalds – 13/8
Match Prediction:
County have got a lot of injuries, and Martin Allen will have his team really fired up. With the strange team selection I can see County getting beat. Away win.
Next Fixtures:
STOCKPORT COUNTY V Bury – Saturday
Darlington V STOCKPORT COUNTY – Last game
