MK Dons visit Oldham Athletic’s SportsDirect.com Park this evening, eager to return to winning ways in Sky Bet League One.
Dan Micciche’s men looked on course to secure a crucial three points this past weekend courtesy of Ike Ugbo’s first-half strike but two late goals from Portsmouth saw the Hampshire outfit head home with the spoils.
While the result was disappointing, there were plenty of positives in Saturday’s performance that should give Micciche’s side confidence heading into this evening’s clash with the Latics.
The Dons sit three points behind tonight’s opponents in the Sky Bet League One table and a win at SportsDirect.com Park, due to goal difference, would see them climb above them. They could also close the gap on AFC Wimbledon and Blackpool, who sit just ahead.
Kick-off tonight is at 7.45pm.
Oldham go into this evening’s match on the back of two positive results and they, themselves, will be looking to move up the Sky Bet League One table by claiming a victory.
The Latics ended a run of nine games without a league win by defeating Bradford City 2-1 at SportsDirect.com Park 10 days ago. They followed that success up by holding promotion-contenders Blackburn Rovers to a 2-2 draw at Ewood Park.
Striker Duckens Nazon netted a brace in that draw with Blackburn and the double took Oldham’s season tally to an impressive 45 goals this campaign, which is bettered by only two sides outside the top six.
Richie Wellens men have, though, conceded a league-high 58 times in 2017/18 – 15 more than the Dons.
Two goals in the final 10 minutes of play from Portsmouth saw the Dons slip to a disappointing defeat at Stadium MK.
Micciche’s team led at the break courtesy of Ike Ugbo’s first goal for the Club – a first-time finish from close range after Kieran Agard’s effort was saved by Luke McGee.
The Dons looked good value for their advantage for much of the contest but Matt Clarke drew Pompey level with a header on 84 minutes. The side from the South Coast then earned all three points in stoppage time when Conor Chaplin sneaked in behind the defence to slot past Lee Nicholls.
Oldham built on their first league win in 10 games by sharing a point with third-placed Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.
Duckens Nazon netted twice in the space of 12 first-half minutes to give the Latics a commanding lead at half-time however, Blackburn responded after the break and Charlie Mulgrew pulled one back with a 25-yard free-kick.
Then, with 19 minutes left to play, Rovers striker Adam Armstrong converted from a Bradley Dack cross to secure a draw for his side.
The Dons welcome back leading goalscorer Chuks Aneke following suspension – the forward was banned for three matches for the red card he received against Northampton Town.
Micciche, though, will have to wait to see whether any of his other absentees from the weekend will recover in time to face Oldham – Alex Gilbey, Elliott Ward, Marcus Tavernier and Osman Sow are the four that will be monitored.
Oldham will be without defender Wilfried Moimbe, who was sent off in Saturday’s draw with Blackburn.
Full-back Rob Hunt and striker Eoin Doyle are also absent for the Latics but Jonathan Benteke could feature.
Tom Nield will referee the Dons for the very first time tonight.
The EFL rookie has taken charge of 21 matches this season, including Oldham’s 1-0 defeat to Shrewsbury Town on New Year’s Day. In total, he has produced 52 yellow cards and made just two dismissals.
His assistant referees tonight are Richard Wigglesworth and Thomas Harty while the fourth official is Robert Lewis.
Dons wins: 11
Dons wins at SportsDirect.com Park: 5
Last Dons win: 1-0, 7 Feb 2017 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 7-0, 20 Dec 2014 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 4
Draws at SportsDirect.com Park: 0
Last draw: 4-4, 21 Oct 2017 (Stadium MK)
Oldham wins: 6
Oldham wins at SportsDirect.com Park: 5
Last Oldham win: 3-1, 9 Feb 2013 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Biggest Oldham win: 3-0, 28 Aug 2004 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Result
Oldham win: EVENS
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 11/4
First goalscorer
Craig Davies: 7/2
Duckens Nazon: 9/2
Aaron Holloway: 11/2
No goalscorer: 9/1
Chuks Aneke: 6/1
Kieran Agard: 6/1
Ike Ugbo: 7/1
Scorecast
Chuks Aneke to score first and MK Dons to win 2-1 – 45/1
Sky Bet tip
MK Dons to win and 7+ MK Dons corners – 11/1
All odds correct at the time of writing.
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Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s Match Centre, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 6pm.
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
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Tickets for tonight's clash with Oldham Athletic are priced at £24 adults and £12 seniors, while under-18s go FREE.
Tickets can now only be bought from the turnstiles or main ticket office at SportsDirect.com Park.
Live commentary of this match has not yet started.
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