ECHOSPORT takes a closer look at today’s opponents MK Dons with the help of supporter Liam Connolly.

What have you made of the season so far?

“It’s not been what any of us Dons expected. Many fans expected to be in and around the play-offs and I predicted we would go up! Instead we’re in a relegation battle. A brief unbeaten streak in March gave us fans a slight hope that we might stay up but that quickly went after three losses on the bounce which leads to Saturday and Southend.”

What have been the main reasons for the poor form?

“The main issue I think was the recruitment of some players and staff. Bobby Winkleman, who has now left the club along with others, was just not recruiting enough quality players to achieve our goals and now not even enough to stay in the League.”

Can Dons get out of trouble?

“Our chances of staying up were very slim before the Doncaster match last Saturday but after collapsing in that second half they’ve moved to almost non-existent.”

Who is the dangerman?

“It has to be Chuks Aneke. He’s top goal scorer can cause teams a lot of issues if he’s on his top form and could easily win the match on his own.

What’s the team news?

“It’s unsure whether the soon to be player of the year, goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, will be able to play because of a hand injury.”

Predicted starting line-up: Nicholls, Williams, Wootton, Ward, Lewington, Golbourne, Upson, Brittain, Tavernier, Aneke, Ugbo