MK Dons v Crewe Alex 23/24 Preview - A Big One

This is it then. The Alex's final away game against another top 7 opponent. They've done really well against other teams who sit in the promotion spots on the road, lets hope they can do it again. This could even be seen as a potential play-off match up, should both sides fail to dislodge the current top 3. So, in what could be a preview of a fixture in May, here are my thoughts on the Alex's visit to Stadium: MK:

Rollercoaster

MK Dons, whatever you think of them, haven't had a dull existence. Up, down, good, bad, not really a lot in between. Well, this season has been a perfect encapsulation of their short history. They started the season like a train. In the top 4 after 7 games, Graham Alexander winning the manager of the month award. Then an 8 game winless run costs him his job.

Mike Williamson comes in and immediately turns their season around, with them now up to 5th and behind the Alex on goal difference only. It's been a topsy turvy season for them. I wonder what the finale will look like.

In Form

Whilst MKs away form continues to hold them back, their home form under Williamson has been incredible. They are 10-2-1 in 13 games at home with him in charge, with 28 scored and only 11 conceded. They will be a very tough side to beat or get a result from on their own patch.

No attackers, all midfield

MK are winning games, but it isn't down to their strikers currently. That's because they don't have many fit. Top scorer Max Dean is out long term, Jonathan Leko was sent out on loan before getting injured and Mo Eisa also left in January. That leaves them with Ellis Harrison and 2 youngsters in Emre Tzegel and Matthew Dennis.

However, whilst they might not have the best strikers in the division, their midfield is ridiculous. Dan Kemp, Alex Gilbey, Jack Payne, Lewis Bate and Stephen Wearne are a crazy good group. The Alex will have to be very wary of the MK midfield in this game.

And funnily enough on the opposite side, the Alex are going to be light in attacking areas also. CBR and Holicek will likely be out, joining Chris Long on the sidelines. That'll leave them just 4 fit attackers in Nevitt, Tracey, Kirk and Rowe. Not ideal at such a key point in the season.

Rise to the occasion

So often in previous seasons, there has been an argument that the Alex have failed to show up in the big games. Well, this season they have, especially away from home. They are 3-2-0 against other sides in the top 7 on the road, with this being their last visit to a side in those positions.

They've struggled against the lesser teams, but have flourished against the better ones. They need to do so again, as a win would completely reignite their top 3 hopes and also all but guarantee them a play off spot at the very worst. They can do it. Let's hope they actually do it.

Ref Watch

Paul Howard

It says a lot when I'm happy not to see a rookie taking charge. However, what I'm not happy about is this being the same ref that sent off Luke Offord against Accrington, for me a decision which was never a last man foul. We're just going to have to hope he doesn't have another shocker like that one.

I'm also reminded of the fact that the Alex have lost 3 and only just drawn one of the games in which Howard has officiated involving them.

2023/24 Record: 29 games(10 League One, 12 League Two, 5 EFL Trophy, 2 FA Cup), 106 yellows, 4 reds

Last Game: Accrington Stanley 0-3 Bradford City, League Two, 9th March 2024, 2 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 0-1-3, 4 yellows, 1 red

Injuries/Absences

MK Dons

The Dons have a couple out with injury. Max Dean has a long term issue, whilst Joe Tomlinson missed out in midweek. I would add Jonathan Leko to this list, but he was supposed to be out on loan anyway, so wouldn't have played even if fit.

Crewe Alex

As per Lee Bell's update, it does feel like they've managed to dodge the worst case scenario with CBR and Holicek, both of whom got positive updates. It seems like there is no dislocation or bone break in CBR's shoulder, which was the main worry on Tuesday. We have to pray his scan goes ok, but I don't think he's in contention for this game.

Nor is Holicek, who also seems to have avoided serious damage to his ankle. I doubt he's fit to be in the squad tomorrow. It'll leave them very light on attackers.

Team

I'm looking at a couple of changes for this one. I'm starting Rowe not because he did well on Tuesday, but because I think Kirk looks really jaded right now and I'd like him as an impact sub late in the game. Let Rowe burn himself out chasing the ball, then when the space opens up, bring Kirk on to cause havoc.

I'm also doing the same with Lewis Leigh. Give him 60-70 minutes of non-stop running and then have Tabiner ready to come on. Finally in defence, I'm recalling Lewis Billington. Williams isn't fit and the idea of him against the MK attack scares me. Move Adebisi back to LB and put Billington at RB.

Score Prediction

It's going to be a tough one. With the injuries starting to pile up in attacking areas once again, I worry about where the goals are coming from. Then you factor in MK's home form and I'm not feeling too confident. But, they've proven me wrong before in 2024, so hopefully they do so again. For now though, I'm going for a defeat.

MK Dons 3-1 Crewe Alex