Crewe Alexandra head into the meeting with pre-season promotion favourites MK Dons with optimism after opening the League Two campaign on home soil with a comprehensive victory & subsequent 1-1 cup draw with League One Fleetwood.
The Dons though perhaps represent the toughest test of the season so far, with a 100% winning record in league & cup so far this season & still hurting from League One relegation last season.
Date: Saturday 18 August 2018
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Venue: Alexandra Stadium
Previous Meeting At Host Club: Crewe 0-5 MK Dons (January 2015)
Referee: Robert Lewis (PL2, 8 YC, 0 RC)
Crewe: Still waiting on the fitness of four key players, the Alex are hoping to welcome back at least one of Paul Green, George Ray, Chris Porter & Shaun Miller for the Dons match.
Green missed the midweek cup contest, Porter & Ray have been absent since the Morecambe game, whilst Miller is yet to feature at all yet this season.
The Alex are still unbeaten at home this season during 90 minutes. That 6-0 opening day Morecambe was followed by a credible 1-1 draw with Fleetwood in the cup, albeit losing on penalty kicks.
However, the 1-0 defeat at Newport County in a rain-soaked Rodney Parade was a concern, with the Alex managing only one shot on target during the whole match.
MK Dons: The visitors have made a perfect start on their return to League Two following relegation last season.
They boast a 100% winning record after dispatching Oldham 2-1 on the opening day, Bury 1-0 at stadium:mk & Charlton 3-0 in the cup in midweek.
One of the favourites for the League Two title this season, they poached former Exeter Manager Paul Tisdale to lead the assault this season & will certainly pose a huge test for the Alex this weekend.
The Dons didn't pick up any fresh injury concerns in midweek, but will be without Conor McGrandles, Peter Pawlett, Osman Sow, Brandon Thomas-Asante and Sam Nombe for the match.
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