Stockport County host MK Dons in front of the Sky TV cameras on Saturday in what is arguably the game of the weekend in League Two. MK Dons boss Mike Williamson knows the importance of the clash and has noted the quality of the opposition.
Given the position of both teams in the league , it can be described as a proverbial six-pointer. The hosts currently have the upper hand and sit in second, but the Dons will be looking to dislodge them from the top three sat just a point behind in fourth currently.
Based off of recent form, it is hard to pick a clear favourite from the two. Williamson’s side have been dealt a couple of surprising losses to the likes of AFC Wimbledon and Grimsby Town recently, but have also picked up some big wins against top opposition in the form of table-toppers Mansfield Town and promotion-hopefuls Crewe Alexandra.
Stockport on the other hand have been a bit more consistent recently, and are unbeaten in their last five. That being said they’ve picked up just one win during that spell and it could be perceived that they’re not quite at their best currently.
Nonetheless, Dave Challinor’s side are still one of the hardest teams to come up against, especially at Edgeley Park. MK Donsboss Mike Williamson knows just that and has not shied away from the fact that his side will be up against it on Saturday.
Speaking to the Milton Keynes Citizen, Williamson was extremely complimentary of the set-up at Stockport and emphasised that they will be favourites for the top of the table clash.
“We’ve got an opponent who are sitting very nicely in the table with a couple of games in hand and are big favourites to get promoted. They’re a very good team as well, so we’ve got it all to do on Saturday.”
“They start games and second-halves extremely strong, as well as finishing games too. I’ve come up against their manager too a few times from his days at Hartlepool. He’s extremely good at changing formations and tinkering around. He obviously has strength in depth to bring on quality, so that’s something we have to navigate.”
“We’re under no illusions – we have to go there and be at our very best just to get a chance of getting something out of the game.
Writer’s View
With the game having serious implications on the race for the automatic promotion, it is certainly one to monitor closely. Stockport are in a very good position currently both down to their position in the table but also due to their games in hand.
A win on Saturday for Dave Challinor’s side would see them put further daylight between them and fourth-place and it may well send a message out to Mansfield in the process. MK Dons do represent a tough test and Williamson has somewhat downplayed their chances for this one with a good show expected.
To keep their title ambitions alive, a win for the Hatters is pivotal, especially given their recent run of results. A point would still keep them in the top three but they’d have to begin to be a bit more wary of the teams below them.
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