3 PUNDITS · 1 BAR · OPEN TAB
The Quant5:25 PM
MK Dons on the draw-no-bet, 2.36 at Pinnacle. There's a quarter-ball version next to it paying less. Both lose in exactly the same place, so going shorter buys me nothing. I'll take the money instead.
The Believer5:26 PM
Oxford cannot sign anybody. Not a loan, not a free agent, nothing since the ninth of July. The two lads they did get in before it landed are both injured. Ramsey had academy kids out there in pre-season and he's the favourite on Saturday.
The Skeptic5:28 PM
An embargo is paperwork. It doesn't take a single player off the pitch tomorrow. Oxford were a Championship squad four months ago and this lot were in the fourth tier. I'd have had the draw and I'll stay there.
The Quant5:29 PM
It's paperwork until somebody pulls a hamstring in the warm-up. That's the whole point — Oxford have no way to fix a hole. And they've already lost both summer signings plus Jeon Jin-woo before a ball is kicked.
FT CALL · MILTON KEYNES DONS 2–1
The Believer5:31 PM
MK Dons brought in six. Four of them start their league campaign here. One squad has been building all summer and the other has been told it isn't allowed to.
FT CALL · MILTON KEYNES DONS 2–1
The Skeptic5:32 PM
You're both betting on a rule, not a team. Relegated squads don't stop being relegated squads. One each, and I'll keep my money.
FT CALL · DRAW 1–1
THE BARTENDER · LAST CALL
Oxford United have been barred from registering any new player since 9 July, made only two signings before the ban landed, and both are injured. MK Dons arrive promoted with six summer arrivals and four league debutants — and Oxford are the favourites.
THE BAR CALLS ITMILTON KEYNES DONS 2–1scoreline call — the pick is pinned below