It’s not quite your four-minute warning, but now is the time to start thinking about how to Protect and Survive as the end is nearly upon us. The only thing between us, three-and-a-half-months without football and Boro’ withdrawal symptoms is today’s showdown at the Lamex Stadium against The Best Team In The Division. If we’re going out before we’re ready this season, it’s a fitting conclusion.
Due to our 3-0 reverse at Swindon last week, MK Dons are going to be joining us in having nothing to play for and, arguably, nothing to lose. We’re only concerned only with Boro’s performance and result – to go out on a high would be a great way to end a “difficult” campaign. In front of a partisan crowd and against “illustrious” opponents… totes amazeballs.
And with nothing at stake, the team selection (for both teams) may see the managers turn to lesser-spotted members of our respective squads. For Boro’, we’re already safe knowing the harsh red card awarded to Dani Lopez last week means his season has ended. But will Day retain goalkeeping duties? Will David Gray make a return? Who starts in attack? So many questions… Skittles and Smarties have the answer.
As for Karl Robinson, it seems he’s more bothered about another result in another league.
We managed to beat MK Dons last season when we didn’t even have a manager in place – our workings suggest we should beat them again and by a bigger margin now that we have a manager in place. And we all know from school maths exams that, even if you don’t get it right with the actual sum total, you do get partial credit for showing your workings. Partial credit though? Have we turned United States of Americanese?
Ah well. Here’s a toast to the 2012-3 season and all the drama it has brought. Who knows, Barnet might finally be flushed out of the League too. Mind you, we’ve said that every year before and been left disappointed.
Bookmakers’ Verdict:
The bookies don’t seem to fancy us for this one as much as we do. Spread Ex offers the best odds on a Boro’ win at 5/2, with some 21/10s and 11/5s dotted around. Coral’s 11/8 will be the best price you can get on an away win. Both Teams To Score is 10/11 with Coral, 888sport and Will Hill and Lucas Akins is 13/5 Anytime Goalscorer at BetVictor. It is party time – 4-0 Boro’ is 150s at Paddy Power. Everything correct when written!
Last Season:
Stevenage 4-2 MK Dons
Team Tarot (4-5-1):
Day
Gray, Robbo, N’Gala, Hills
Akins, Ehmer, Grant, Dunne, Freeman
Hoskins
