View From The Town End: MK Dons

This week's View From The Town End comes to us from MK Dons fan Matt - @TheRealVinnie.

How is life back in League One?

Off to good start. Home form has been edgy, but on the road we're 100% successful. We have a very threadbare squad at the moment, with several injuries, illnesses and with signings still to come. But we've got our local rivals Peterborough on the weekend and a win would give the fans and team a big boost!

You beat us at Stadium MK earllier this year and looked certain to stay up, what happened?

Our first choice keeper got injured and it seriously affected the team. Our second choice keeper was poor and got himself suspended.

Defensively we were suspect and with several injuries hampering us, we would often give ourselves to much to do early on in games.

Had our first choice keeper (David Martin) not suffered his injury, I think his experience and quality would have been enough to just 'keep' us up, bit that's easy to say in hindsight.

Ultimately we didn't score enough goals or capitalise on mistakes to worry most teams in the league and inevitably deserved to go down.

How have you rebuilt this summer?

This summer the fans have had to be patient, with most of our signings coming in the last week or so. The ageing (and frankly woeful) Anthony Kay has moved on, along with some notable players that disappointed in the championship.

Centre back Kyle Mcfadzean, drew out a lengthy and well publicised tranfer to Burton (and most fans are glad to see the back of him).

However the money was spent on Striker Kieron Agard, who will be tasked with getting the goals to help push us up. Whilst Ed Upson (cm) and Scott Wooton (cb) both on frees, look good additions to the squad so far.

Are fans still behind Karl Robinson?

The majority of sensible fans understand the mistakes made by the club last year were collective errors, and that Karl has the best interests of the club at heart.

However there is a small section of fans (myself not included) who believe Karl Robinson is solely to blame for relegation and is perhaps on his last chance, however a derby win on Saturday would go a long way to getting these fans onside.

Who should Reading fans be wary of tonight?

Due to various squad issues, expect a VERY young side. Karl practically named an under 21 side in the last round against Newport County and i would expect a similar XI to start on Tuesday.

This doesn't mean that we won't try to win. Young striker Kabongo Tshimanga has been waiting for his opportunity to play for the first time a while and his sheer pace and finishing can punish teams, not to mention attacking midfielder Giorgio Rasulo who was stunning in Pre-Season and has a habit for long range goals. This side managed to perform miracles to beat County 3-2 and lightning could always strike twice!

How seriously has Robinson treated this competition over the years?

I don't think Karl has ever taken this trophy seriously. Our squad has always been too thin to play our strongest squad, and our focus has usually been on the league and sometimes the Fa Cup.

However the League cup has given MK Dons some notable memories over the years, including a win over controversial rivals AFC Wimbledon, and the historic demolition of Manchester United 4-0.

Should we progress further, we may be able to field more experienced teams, as a cup run is always good for a club financially, as well as nice for the fans.

Score prediction?

If Reading play any kind of experienced team, Reading should walk it. But I hope the youth does themselves justice. Sometimes anything can happen in the cup, but Reading are a good side (far better than Newport at least), so I shall predict a 3-1 home win.