MK Dons vs Northampton
EFL Trophy
Tuesday
21st November 2023
Stadium MK
The most comprehensive preview and detailed analysis of the EFL Trophy fixture between MK Dons and Northampton.
MK Dons vs Northampton: Preview
MK Dons form analysis
Milton Keynes Dons’ recent run of games has showcased attacking endeavors and powers of recovery but also recurring issues seeing out results. They started with a disappointing 1-0 away loss at Accrington in the EFL Trophy, caught out by a first half goal. However, their offense ignited next match, beating Bradford 4-1 at home in the same competition thanks to goals from Tomlinson, Payne, Dean and Gilbey. Building momentum, MK Dons then edged past Swindon in a five goal thriller thanks to Dean, O’Hora and an own goal before conceding late.
Back came problems seeing out a game in their next match despite rallying from two down to lose 3-2 at Reading in the FA Cup, with Gilbey and Dean on target but made to pay for more slack defending. Most recently they were forced to settle for a goalless away draw with Newport in the EFL Trophy, dominating throughout but unable to create clear openings. Overall, MK Dons must learn to better control matches when ahead if their undoubted attacking talents are to flourish.
Northampton form analysis
Northampton Town’s recent run of games has showcased attacking endeavors but also recurring issues seeing out results. They started by drawing 2-2 at home with Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy thanks to a Hoskins double after initially going behind. However, familiar problems struck in a 1-2 away loss at Bristol Rovers next match, caught out twice after Monthe’s equalizer. Things got worse with a heavy 0-4 home defeat to Derby, totally outplayed from start to finish.
Back came defensive issues in their next match, losing 1-3 at home to Barrow in the FA Cup, equalizing before slack set piece marking proved costly. Most recently they returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home victory over Burton thanks to goals from Leonard and Hoskins either side of halftime. Overall, Northampton have shown they can threaten in attack through Hoskins and Pinnock but lose focus far too easily when defending leads. Adding steel at the back will be vital.
