MK Dons travel to the Crown Oil Arena this evening to take on Rochdale, looking to build on Saturday’s spirited showing at Stadium MK.

Paul Tisdale’s men put an end to a run of five straight league defeats by sharing the spoils with Coventry City last weekend. It was a battling display from the Dons, who could have won it late on through Ben Reeves.

With some confidence gained, Tisdale will be looking for his side to build on the point in their two away fixtures this week, starting with tonight’s clash with Dale at the Crown Oil Arena – a place where the Dons are unbeaten in their last five visits.

A win tonight could see the Dons climb as many as six places in the Sky Bet League One table, and replace their opponents in 14th spot.

Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

THE OPPOSITION
Rochdale will be in search of their third straight win tonight at the Crown Oil Arena.

The Greater Manchester club beat Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in their last two outings, scoring five goals and conceding just twice.

That 2-1 triumph over Accrington was Dale’s third at home this season, with Barry Brian-Murphy’s side currently boasting the sixth-best home record in Sky Bet League One – they have taken 10 points from their opening seven games at the Crown Oil Arena.

Forward Ian Henderson is their main marksman, with seven league goals to his name already this term. He is tied for fourth in the Sky Bet League One top scorer charts.

LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons put in a battling performance to hold Coventry City to a goalless draw at Stadium MK.

The Sky Blues had a great opportunity to take the lead early in the second half when Jordy Hiwula was brought down in the penalty area by Lee Nicholls, but the MK Dons goalkeeper redeemed himself by denying the City striker from the spot.

Paul Tisdale’s men did have chances of their own. Hiram Boateng went close with a half-volley while Ben Reeves struck the crossbar with a late long-range strike.

Rochdale came from behind to beat Bolton Wanderers 3-1 and make it back-to-back league wins.

Thibaud Verlinden had put Bolton in front with a header on 56 minutes but Callum Camps soon restored parity with a right-footed drive.

Ollie Rathbone then put Dale ahead in the 71st-minute before substitute Fabio Tavares sealed the away victory five minutes from time.

FIGHTING TALK
Paul Tisdale: “I’m expecting [Saturday’s result to be a turning point]. We’ve now got to put just as much endeavour and effort into Tuesday. We’ve got two long away trips this week, for us and the supporters but we go into it with that little bit of rest bite having stopped that losing streak.”

Brian Barry-Murphy: “Paul Tisdale is a manager I have looked up to since his days at Exeter City. His team always plays with exceptional quality and a good style, and I will be expecting the same when they come to play us. They will be a threat, but we aim to be as good ourselves and try to implement our own strengths on the game, as we have done throughout the season.”

TEAM NEWS
MK Dons welcomed back Alex Gilbey, Jordan Houghton and Kieran Agard last weekend, following their stints on the sidelines, while Jordan Moore-Taylor made it through his first 90 minutes since January unscathed.

All four players should be available to boss Paul Tisdale this evening but he does remain without the services of strikers Joe Mason, Rhys Healey and Sam Nombe.

Rochdale remain without the services of Tyler Magloire, Rekeil Pyke and Ryan McLaughlin.

Former MK Dons striker Aaron Wilbraham could feature, having recently celebrated his 40th birthday.

OFFICIALS
Robert Lewis will take charge of tonight’s affair at the Crown Oil Arena.

The experienced official has been running the rule over the EFL since 2005 and has refereed the Dons on seven previous occasions, most recently in August 2018 for the Sky Bet League One clash with Crewe Alexandra. That day, he produced two yellow cards and sent off defender Mathieu Baudry.

So far this season, he has shown 45 yellow cards and three red cards. He has also awarded three penalties.

His assistant referees Graeme Fyvie and Peter Gooch while the fourth official is Wade Smith.

HEAD TO HEAD
Dons wins: 7
Dons wins at the Crown Oil Arena: 4
Last Dons win: 3-2, 16 Sep 2017 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 4-1, 5 Mar 2011 (Crown Oil Arena)

Draw: 4
Draws at Crown Oil Arena: 1

Rochdale wins: 3
Rochdale wins at Crown Oil Arena: 2
Last Rochdale win: 1-0, 26 Jan 2008 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Rochdale win: 5-0, 27 Jan 2007 (Crown Oil Arena)

SKY BET ODDS
Dons win: 15/8
Draw: 12/5
Win: 5/4

Click HERE for more Sky Bet odds!

ELSEWHERE IN SKY BET LEAGUE ONE
Blackpool v Wycombe Wanderers
Bristol Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Burton Albion v AFC Wimbledon
Portsmouth v Lincoln City
Shrewsbury Town v Gillingham
Southend United v Doncaster Rovers
Sunderland v Tranmere Rovers
Coventry City v Fleetwood Town, Wednesday
Ipswich Town v Rotherham United, Wednesday
Peterborough United v Accrington Stanley, Wednesday

FOLLOW IT LIVE
Tickets, which can now only be bought from the ticket office at the Crown Oil Arena, are priced at £25 adults, £19 seniors/under-22s and £8 under-17s while under-2s go FREE. Tickets cannot be bought on the turnstiles, only from the ticket office.

Can’t make the game? Supporters tune in to watch the Dons take on Dale at the Crown Oil Arena for just £10. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.

To enjoy the live coverage on iFollow MK Dons, simply purchase a Video Match Pass and then access the homepage shortly before kick-off - click HERE to purchase your Video Match Pass for the match!

Supporters can also stay in touch with the action via mkdons.com’s Match Centre, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 2pm.

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 along with full reaction from Paul Tisdale and a player. Highlights will be available three hours after full-time.