MK Dons were one of the favourites for promotion but languish in mid-table. What has gone wrong?
Where to start! The short answer is too many injuries and suspensions. We only have a squad of 18 players so were always walking a tightrope, and with injuries to key players, especially Stephen Gleeson and Luke Chadwick who were both ruled out long term and 7 red cards, our squad is in tatters. We can barely fill the bench most weeks so the squad size plays a massive role in why we are languishing in mid-table.
Another reason would be Robbo's lack of plan B, fancy football is great but we do not seem to have the ability to grind out results against teams that like to put 11 men behind the ball.
What did you think of your tie with AFC Wimbledon earlier in the season? Has there been any highlights since?
It certainly was interesting! It was great to get the win in THE grudge match. To win in the way we did was special and I do not think I have celebrated a goal more in my time. I think that now the two sides have met, the acrimony will slowly be laid to rest. Despite all the build up, there was no trouble anyway bar two pitch invasions from their fans and our fans.
Our main highlights have been from the cups, include beating Blackburn Rovers 2-1, beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0, and beating Queens Park Rangers 2-4 - going 0-4 up at Loftus Road has to be the pick of the bunch.
How has Izale McLeod performed since his return to Milton Keynes?
He has been awful! We have an ability to turn good players bad here at MK by playing the wrong system or playing them out of position. He has missed some sitters since he has been here.
I do think though that if/when he gets the first goal, they will start coming for him. It is frustrating as we know what he can do from his first spell here from 2004-2007 and from the times he has played against us, scoring twice for Barnet against us and once for Pompey.
Despite your form, surely you fancy your chances against a team that hasn't won in 22 matches?
You would like to think so. We are the 2nd worst form team in the league alongside yourselves. We should win easily with the team we have but it says a lot about our form that most Dons fans would take a point.
What are the biggest weaknesses in this MK Dons side these days?
The whole team at this moment in time. The defence has been leaking goals since we conceded 7 in 2 games over Christmas. The midfield is weak without Gleeson and an unfit Chadwick still making his way back with Harley and Lines who haven't impressed at all in their loan spells and the attack is poor with Ryan Lowe now out of form, Bowditch being in and out of form, McLeod on a drought and Alan Smith not a goalscorer.
Are there any names in this Pompey squad that fill your mind with dread?
I can't say there are. A team bottom of the league that haven't won in so long shouldn't fill anyone with dread, although we are about as bad at the moment. Definitely no one in particular though, no.
What kind of match are you expecting at Fratton Park?
A dull one. Two teams out of form hoping for a draw at best.
Predict the outcome of the game.
Portsmouth 1-1 MK Dons