MK Dons vs Saddlers

The Saddlers travel to Buckinghamshire this weekend to face difficult opposition in the form of Paul Ince’s MK Dons.

From the outside, it is safe to say that Stadium M:K looks unfinished, which sums up the club because you can say the MK Dons are a working progress.

Since their much publicised move from the Dons of Wimbledon, the Dons have been trying to make a new home for themselves a good 70 miles down the road.

Walsall will have to repeat their fantastic performance from last season, which saw Jabo Ibehre smash in a 25-yard thunder-bolt to win 1-0.

On this occasion, Ibehre is in Dons colours, with Darren Byfield being his replacement and showing that he is up to the job – expect him to lineup with Troy Deeney.

Also, with the retirement of Stephen Roberts this week, much emphasis has been placed upon the shoulders of 20-year-old Clayton McDonald, who extended his loan spell from Man City for a further month.

The only good news from a Walsall point of view is that the Dons will be missing influential young midfielder Stephen Gleeson, who is on under-21 duty for his homeland of the Republic of Ireland.

All in all, I predict a close encounter with the Saddlers maybe snatching a point at best. Then again, never say never!