The Dons travel to Nottingham Forest today looking to give their fans an early Christmas present.
In their final fixture before the big day, Karl Robinson’s side will go in search of a victory to back up their terrific 2-1 triumph over play-off contenders Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
Carl Baker and Nicky Maynard bagged the goals that evening for the men from MK1, who have picked up a positive result in three of their last five Sky Bet Championship matches.
The victory moved them up to 20th in the table, one point clear of the bottom three and they’ll be eager to increase that margin by picking up another positive result at the City Ground this afternoon.
THE OPPOSITION
Nottingham Forest are currently five places and six points above the Dons in 15th place, having lost just once in their last five outings.
During their recent good run, the Reds have won three times, including a very impressive 1-0 success over Derby County back in early November. Those trio of victories make up half of their overall total so far in 2015/16.
In terms of goals, Forest’s 20 scored is more than just four teams in the division but their total of 20 goals conceded is fewer than all-but two sides outside the top five.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “Dougie is an amazing person and he’s someone who I like a lot. He’s very determined and measured in his thought processes. I’m sure his team will be organised and driven but my team will be ready as well.”
Dougie Freedman: "We are gathering momentum and have come through a tough, tough spell. We would like to win every game but we are very realistic and, after two good points on the road, let’s hope we can capitalise on Saturday against MK Dons."
TEAM NEWS
The Dons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today's game but boss Robinson has confirmed he will make changes.
Dale Jennings (knee) and Matt Upson (calf) remain sidelined and won’t feature.
Nottingham Forest are expected to have winger Ryan Mendes available for selection.
Midfielders Robert Tesche and Chris Cohen could also be involved after injury spells but strikers Matty Fryatt and Britt Assombalonga are still out.
REFEREE
Simon Hooper will take charge of this afternoon's match at the City Ground, his 24th appointment of the season.
So far in 2015/16, he has shown 55 yellow cards and sent off two players while he has awarded four penalties.
HEAD TO HEAD
Dons wins: 1
Dons wins at City Ground: 0
Last Dons win: 1-0, 31st Jan 2006 (National Hockey Stadium)
Nottm Forest wins: 1
Nottm Forest wins at City Ground: 1
Last Nottm Forest win: 3-0, 25th Mar 2006 (City Ground)
Draws: 0
Draws at City Ground: 0
Last draw: N/A
SKY BET ODDS
Result
Nottm Forest win: 4/5
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 15/4
First goalscorer
Nelson Oliveira: 9/2
Chris O’Grady: 5/1
Dexter Blackstock: 11/2
Nicky Maynard: 8/1
Carl Baker: 10/1
Rob Hall: 11/1
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Click here for odds on all Sky Bet Championship outright markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!
MATCH COVERAGE
Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 2.50pm today for live commentary of the clash - click here to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month!
Fans can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from midday.
Those on Twitter can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page - @MKDonsFC
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
Tickets for today's clash at Nottingham Forestcan now only be bought on the day at the City Ground- click here for a list of prices!
Carl Baker and Nicky Maynard bagged the goals that evening for the men from MK1, who have picked up a positive result in three of their last five Sky Bet Championship matches.
The victory moved them up to 20th in the table, one point clear of the bottom three and they’ll be eager to increase that margin by picking up another positive result at the City Ground this afternoon.
THE OPPOSITION
Nottingham Forest are currently five places and six points above the Dons in 15th place, having lost just once in their last five outings.
During their recent good run, the Reds have won three times, including a very impressive 1-0 success over Derby County back in early November. Those trio of victories make up half of their overall total so far in 2015/16.
In terms of goals, Forest’s 20 scored is more than just four teams in the division but their total of 20 goals conceded is fewer than all-but two sides outside the top five.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “Dougie is an amazing person and he’s someone who I like a lot. He’s very determined and measured in his thought processes. I’m sure his team will be organised and driven but my team will be ready as well.”
Dougie Freedman: "We are gathering momentum and have come through a tough, tough spell. We would like to win every game but we are very realistic and, after two good points on the road, let’s hope we can capitalise on Saturday against MK Dons."
TEAM NEWS
The Dons have no fresh injury concerns ahead of today's game but boss Robinson has confirmed he will make changes.
Dale Jennings (knee) and Matt Upson (calf) remain sidelined and won’t feature.
Nottingham Forest are expected to have winger Ryan Mendes available for selection.
Midfielders Robert Tesche and Chris Cohen could also be involved after injury spells but strikers Matty Fryatt and Britt Assombalonga are still out.
REFEREE
Simon Hooper will take charge of this afternoon's match at the City Ground, his 24th appointment of the season.
So far in 2015/16, he has shown 55 yellow cards and sent off two players while he has awarded four penalties.
HEAD TO HEAD
Dons wins: 1
Dons wins at City Ground: 0
Last Dons win: 1-0, 31st Jan 2006 (National Hockey Stadium)
Nottm Forest wins: 1
Nottm Forest wins at City Ground: 1
Last Nottm Forest win: 3-0, 25th Mar 2006 (City Ground)
Draws: 0
Draws at City Ground: 0
Last draw: N/A
SKY BET ODDS
Result
Nottm Forest win: 4/5
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 15/4
First goalscorer
Nelson Oliveira: 9/2
Chris O’Grady: 5/1
Dexter Blackstock: 11/2
Nicky Maynard: 8/1
Carl Baker: 10/1
Rob Hall: 11/1
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Click here for odds on all Sky Bet Championship outright markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!
MATCH COVERAGE
Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 2.50pm today for live commentary of the clash - click here to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month!
Fans can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from midday.
Those on Twitter can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page - @MKDonsFC
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
Tickets for today's clash at Nottingham Forestcan now only be bought on the day at the City Ground- click here for a list of prices!
