Oxford United welcome League One strugglers MK Dons to Grenoble Road this weekend looking to make it six league wins in succession.
The U’s have had a terrific February, with the run of five wins lifting Karl Robinson’s side to 3rd in the table. As a result, Robinson and top scorer Matty Taylor, who has netted seven goals in his last seven games, have been nominated for Manager and Player of the Month respectively.
But the Dons, who of course had lots of success under the guidance of Robinson as manager, will be looking to pick up points with just five points separating them and the bottom three. And, it was MK that ended the U’s 18-game unbeaten run earlier this season, so the visitors could be the first team this season to complete a league double over the U’s.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Last Word On Sports Senior Editor, Nat Goodlad, who has kindly answered some questions:
When did you start supporting MK Dons?
I first went in 2004 when I was about six-years-old, then started going regularly at the start of the 2007/08 season and continued that for around 10 years before having to cut it down due to work.
What was the first game that you attended?
The first game was a 4-2 win against Hartlepool back at the old National Hockey Stadium. My earliest memory of football is Gareth Edds’ goal in that game. Chest and volley from the edge of the box. Lovely.
What’s your best memory of watching MK?
It’s probably cliched somewhat by this point, but nothing will ever top the Manchester United game. League One promotion day against Yeovil runs it close, especially considering it wasn’t exactly United’s first team, but it was still such an unexpected, unbelievable result and that night will stay with me forever.
What’s your worst memory of watching MK?
Plymouth at home in 2017/18. I hadn’t been to many games that season as I was away studying, but I was back for that match and I didn’t believe my mates that it was as bad as they were describing. Plymouth were somehow doing even worse than us at that point, but we lost 1-0 and I was genuinely speechless at how badly we played. I knew from that point we were going to struggle that season and unsurprisingly it ended in relegation.
Favourite current player?
Has to be Rhys Healey. We haven’t had a striker as prolific as him in such a long time and it was so refreshing to see us go after him last summer after he impressed on loan. His stats speak for themself.
Favourite ever player?
As a cult hero, I always adored Ali Gerba, but my more logical choice is David Martin. He rightly got his fair share of stick at times, but there was a period of around three seasons where he was at the top of his game and was a big part of our successes in League One early in the last decade.
Favourite ever manager?
Think the only answer can be Karl Robinson. His time was up when it came to his sacking, but what he’d done for us prior to that was nothing short of miraculous. He’s still very highly thought of in MK which goes to show how successful he was.
How do you think this season has gone?
The table doesn’t lie, unfortunately. It’s not quite been the grand return we’d dreamed of. However, since Russell Martin came in, it’s been a far more enjoyable experience. Tranmere’s mini-revival means we’re not quite out of the woods yet but we’re certainly in control of our own destiny, which is the best position to be in.
What’re your views on the manager, Russell Martin, and was it the right choice to dismiss Paul Tisdale?
It was absolutely the right decision to dismiss Tisdale. He did what he needed to do in terms of getting us out of League Two. He deserved his crack at League One but it was clear he was out of his depth pretty early on. Martin has come in, a completely unknown quantity as a manager, and seemed to have the players and fans onside very quickly, which was key. If he keeps us up, it’ll be a great start to his managerial career.
Key players for Oxford to keep an eye out for this weekend?
Rhys Healey is the obvious one given his scoring form of late. Alex Gilbey is also dangerous with his energy. Honestly, there’s a lot of players who ‘could’ cause problems. It just depends on whether they turn up on the day.
What is your opinion of Oxford United as a team and squad?
They’ve surprised me slightly this season but that’s certainly in a good way. They’ve got some really good players for this level and absolutely deserve to be where they are. And obviously, I’m happy for Robbo too.
If you could sign one Oxford player, who would it be and why?
Rob Dickie would completely sort out our sometimes-shaky defence. The fact he’s had Premier League teams register an interest in him says everything about what a talent he is (although clearly makes him unattainable for us).
Prediction this weekend?
It’s going to be a tough afternoon for us. We don’t have a great record at Oxford and our away form this season is poor. Optimistically I’d like to say 1-1 but I think it’s more than likely going to be an Oxford win.
Away from the match, who do you think will go up from League One?
Rotherham will get one of the automatic spots as they always do (and then probably come down again next year). Coventry also look pretty unbeatable at the moment so I’ll go for them in the other automatic spot. Although Oxford are up there and I’d like Robbo to get another crack at the Championship, I think Peterborough look a massive threat this year and will win the play-offs.
And who will go down?
Bolton and Southend look nailed on and even though every part of me wants to say AFC Wimbledon for the final spot, they always seem to stay up. Tranmere, meanwhile, have had two straight promotions and I think this little run they’re on is a second wind more than anything. I think they’ll run out of steam and be the last ones down.
