Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Derby County and MK Dons go head to head at Pride Park in what is expected to be one of the most exciting games of Monday’s program. The Rams did well to beat Forest Green on Matchday 40, with the team putting an end to their three-game losing run, and, no doubt, Friday’s triumph gave them a confidence boost. Fit-again defender James Chester should keep his place in the starting XI, while the opposition back-line should have David McGoldrick at bay as the Ireland forward scored his 17th goal of the season against the Green Army.
The Dons, on the other hand, are undefeated in the previous five league fixtures, but seeing that a win should see Derby climb to the playoffs berth, we are not tempted to put our money on the relegation-threatened visitors. There are no fresh selection worries in the visiting team.
Highlighted Player (Conor Hourihane):
Conor Hourihane is an Irish footballer who plays for Barnsley. The midfielder was born on 2 February, 1991 and he started his youth career at Premier League club Sunderland. In 2011 he joined Plymouth Argyle and he spent three years at Home Park.
After scoring 15 goals in 125 appearances for the Pilgrims in 2014 Hourihane decided to take next big step in his career. On 23 June he signed a three-year deal with Barnsley for a fee of £250,000. In August he won the League One Player of the Month award and, no doubt, he made a flying start to his Barnsley career. Hourihane made 46 appearances for the Tykes in the 2014/2015 League One campaign, scoring 15 goals and he certainly helped the team return to the Championship.
The Irish midfielder has eight caps for the U-21 team. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as defensive and left midfielder as well. Conor Hourihane is a right-footed footballer.
Highlighted Team (MK Dons):
Based in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes Dons are a League One club that welcome their rivals at Stadium MK. The venue was opened in 2007 and can hold up to 30,500 spectators. Milton Keynes Dons play their home games in white shirts and white shorts, whilst their away kit is red.
The Dons are one of the youngest clubs in England as they were founded in 2004, but they are well known for youth development. English attacker is the club’s all-time top goal-scorer, netting 62 goals in 165 appearances for MK Dons. Dele Alli, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur, is the most famous footballer to have played for the Milton Keynes Dons, netting 18 goals in 62 appearances for the club in the league.
Speaking of notable coaches, it has to be noted that former Liverpool superstar Robbie Fowler and ex German international Dietmar Hamman were in charge of the club.