Dons boss Karl Robinson makes two changes to the side which lost to Crewe Alexandra and Luke Chadwick returns to the bench.
Kouo-Doumbe replaces the suspended Antony Kay in the centre of defence while Alan Smith starts ahead of loanee Chris Lines. Smith takes up the ‘number 10’ position in-between Patrick Bamford and Dean Bowditch in an attacking trio, with Stephen Gleeson moving back alongside Darren Potter for the first time since the December clash with Brentford.
Elsewhere, Jon Otsemobor and Adam Chicksen continue as the team’s two full-backs while Ian McLoughlin keeps the gloves in the absence of goalkeeper David Martin. Ryan Lowe retains his position as the solitary striker.
On the bench, there is space for Chadwick and winger Daniel Powell, both of whom have missed through injury in recent weeks. George Baldock is also amongst the replacements for the Dons, alongside Lines and under-18 starlet Brendan Galloway.
Hartlepool United: Flinders, Austin, Collins, Hartley (c), Horwood, Baldwin, Walton, Sweeney, Monkhouse, Franks, Wyke.
Subs: McHugh, Rowbotham, Holden, Rutherford, Hawkins, James, Boagey.
MK Dons (4-2-3-1): McLoughlin; Otsemobor, Kouo-Doumbe, Williams, Chicksen; Gleeson (c), Potter; Bamford, Smith, Bowditch; Lowe.
Subs: Powell, Baldock, Galloway, Lines, Chadwick.
Jeremy Simpson (Lancashire)Referee:
