Robbie Neilson takes charge of MK Dons for the very first time this evening when his side face Yeovil Town in the Checkatrade Trophy Round of 32.
Neilson, appointed the Club’s new manager last Friday, will be looking to get off to a winning start at Huish Park and secure the men from MK1’s place in the Round of 16.
Should his new side come out on top, he’ll become the fourth Dons boss to claim a victory in their first fixture, following on from Danny Wilson, Martin Allen and Karl Robinson.
A triumph tonight would also help to maintain the team’s decent form of late – the Dons have lost just twice in their last seven matches having been beaten four times in five games heading into the month of November.
That would, of course, build confidence amongst the group heading into their big meeting with AFC Wimbledon this weekend. They also have a tough schedule of important Sky Bet League One fixtures over Christmas, so momentum will be key.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Awaiting the Dons at Huish Par k are an in-form Yeovil side who are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, a run which stretches back to the start of October.
The Glovers won six of those 12 matches while keeping a very impressive seven clean sheets and scoring 18 goals.
In their Checkatrade Trophy group-stage campaign, Yeovil won twice and drawn once, coming out on top in Southern Group A ahead of the likes of Reading Under-21s, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers.
The Dons played out a goalless draw with Charlton Athletic in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Despite dominating the contest at The Valley, the men from MK1 weren’t able to come away with a victory although that may have been different had George Baldock converted when one-on-one late in the first half.
Kieran Agard also had a header disallowed after the break, while Dean Bowditch’s stoppage-time strike was cleared off the line.
Should his new side come out on top, he’ll become the fourth Dons boss to claim a victory in their first fixture, following on from Danny Wilson, Martin Allen and Karl Robinson.
A triumph tonight would also help to maintain the team’s decent form of late – the Dons have lost just twice in their last seven matches having been beaten four times in five games heading into the month of November.
That would, of course, build confidence amongst the group heading into their big meeting with AFC Wimbledon this weekend. They also have a tough schedule of important Sky Bet League One fixtures over Christmas, so momentum will be key.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Awaiting the Dons at Huish Par k are an in-form Yeovil side who are unbeaten in their last 12 matches, a run which stretches back to the start of October.
The Glovers won six of those 12 matches while keeping a very impressive seven clean sheets and scoring 18 goals.
In their Checkatrade Trophy group-stage campaign, Yeovil won twice and drawn once, coming out on top in Southern Group A ahead of the likes of Reading Under-21s, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers.
The Dons played out a goalless draw with Charlton Athletic in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Despite dominating the contest at The Valley, the men from MK1 weren’t able to come away with a victory although that may have been different had George Baldock converted when one-on-one late in the first half.
Kieran Agard also had a header disallowed after the break, while Dean Bowditch’s stoppage-time strike was cleared off the line.
After the re-start, Yeovil further increased their advantage through Khan’s second of the game. Their five-star success was then sealed with 17 minutes remaining – substitute Francois Zoko volleying home from Khan’s cross.
Otis Kahn put his side ahead on 16 minutes before Tom Eaves doubled the lead from Nathan Smith’s through-ball. The Glovers then added a third before half-time courtesy of Ryan Hedges’ fierce finish.
Yeovil stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games with an emphatic victory over Crawley Town.
Last Dons win: 5-1, 3 May 2015 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Huish Park: 2
Dons wins: 6
His assistant referees tonight are Andrew Laver and Colin Lymer while the fourth official is Brett Huxtable.
The Devon-based official is in only his second EFL season and has so far totalled 31 games. He has, though, already produced 11 red and 100 yellow cards.
Lee Swabey will referee the Dons for the very first time tonight.
Right-back Bevis Mugabi is suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the group-stages.
Yeovil will be without midfielder Matty Dolan (hamstring) while defenders Darren Ward (knee) and Liam Shephard are doubts.
George C Williams is back available after missing the trip to The Valley because of the terms of his loan but Nicky Maynard (hamstring) remains sidelined along with Scott Wootton (knee).
Neilson is expected to field a relatively strong side for his first game as boss but changes should still be made from the side that started at Charlton.
Last draw: 2-2, 5 Dec 2009 (Stadium MK)
Draws at Huish Park: 2
Draws: 4
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!
Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 5pm.
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for more betting options for tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy tie - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Otis Kahn: 17/2
Tahvon Campbell: 7/1
Francois Zoko: 6/1
Tom Eaves: 6/1
No goalscorer: 12/1
Kabongo Tshimanga: 15/2
Ryan Colclough: 13/2
Dean Bowditch: 6/1
Kieran Agard: 9/2
First goalscorer
Yeovil: 11/10
Dons: 4/6
To qualify
Last Yeovil win: 2-1, 29 Jan 2013 (Huish Park)
Yeovil wins at Huish Park: 3
Yeovil wins: 4
