The Dons will be looking to bounce back from Tuesday’s defeat when they take on QPR this afternoon.
Karl Robinson’s men were punished for two defensive mistakes in a 2-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium - a loss which saw them miss the chance to extend an unbeaten run to three games.
Prior to Tuesday’s disappointment, however, the Dons were performing extremely well and their terrific 3-0 triumph at home to Blackburn Rovers last weekend was just rewards for the number of impressive displays that, unfairly, hadn’t resulted in points.
THE OPPOSITION
It’s fair to say QPR haven’t started the 2015/16 season in the manner they would have liked but Chris Ramsey’s side are still inside the top half of the table heading into this weekend’s game.
The R’s are five points adrift of the play-off places, having won just one of their last seven league matches. During that run, the West Londoners have also conceded 14 goals – their overall total of 22 goals conceded is currently tied for worst in the division.
At the other end of the pitch, though, QPR are very impressive and nobody in the Championship has scored more goals at home than the R’s so far this season. Ramsey’s men have also only been beaten once at Loftus Road in 2015/16.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “We’ve obviously got some great memories of Loftus Road – it’s a great place to play football. Chris Ramsey is a really good guy and a very good coach. We know we’re going to have to bring our ‘a-game’ but we’re looking forward to the afternoon.”
Chris Ramsey: “It's going to be a difficult game, as they all are at this level. Karl has done a very good job there, but we'll be focusing on how we can influence the game, building on a solid defensive performance on Tuesday night.”
TEAM NEWS
Darren Potter and Dean Bowditch have travelled with the Dons to West London but Robinson still isn’t expected to name the recently recovered pair in his matchday squad.
Mark Randall, Matt Upson, Dale Jennings and Joe Walsh are all still sidelined with injury and won’t be involved but Cody Cropper may be included in the 18 following his return to training.
QPR, meanwhile, will be without strikers Charlie Austin and Jamie Mackie who are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.
James Perch is eligible to return, however, after serving a one-match suspension.
REFEREE
Today's referee is Scott Duncan, who took charge of the Dons’ 5-1 promotion-clinching success over Yeovil Town back in May.
So far this season, Duncan has marshalled 10 matches and shown 28 yellow cards. He’s yet to brandish a red card but has awarded three penalties.
The two assistant referees are Graeme Fyvie and Stuart Butler, while Charles Breakspear is the fourth official.
SKY BET ODDS
Result:
QPR win – 21/20
Draw – 5/2
Dons win – 12/5
First goalscorer:
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – 5/1
Sebastian Polter – 11/2
Matt Phillips – 6/1
Simon Church – 15/2
Josh Murphy – 10/1
Ben Reeves – 10/1
*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 2.55pm for live commentary of the Sky Bet Championship 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 12.30pm.
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 QPR are no longer available to buy- here's how you can stay in touch with the action!
Prior to Tuesday’s disappointment, however, the Dons were performing extremely well and their terrific 3-0 triumph at home to Blackburn Rovers last weekend was just rewards for the number of impressive displays that, unfairly, hadn’t resulted in points.
THE OPPOSITION
It’s fair to say QPR haven’t started the 2015/16 season in the manner they would have liked but Chris Ramsey’s side are still inside the top half of the table heading into this weekend’s game.
The R’s are five points adrift of the play-off places, having won just one of their last seven league matches. During that run, the West Londoners have also conceded 14 goals – their overall total of 22 goals conceded is currently tied for worst in the division.
At the other end of the pitch, though, QPR are very impressive and nobody in the Championship has scored more goals at home than the R’s so far this season. Ramsey’s men have also only been beaten once at Loftus Road in 2015/16.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “We’ve obviously got some great memories of Loftus Road – it’s a great place to play football. Chris Ramsey is a really good guy and a very good coach. We know we’re going to have to bring our ‘a-game’ but we’re looking forward to the afternoon.”
Chris Ramsey: “It's going to be a difficult game, as they all are at this level. Karl has done a very good job there, but we'll be focusing on how we can influence the game, building on a solid defensive performance on Tuesday night.”
TEAM NEWS
Darren Potter and Dean Bowditch have travelled with the Dons to West London but Robinson still isn’t expected to name the recently recovered pair in his matchday squad.
Mark Randall, Matt Upson, Dale Jennings and Joe Walsh are all still sidelined with injury and won’t be involved but Cody Cropper may be included in the 18 following his return to training.
QPR, meanwhile, will be without strikers Charlie Austin and Jamie Mackie who are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.
James Perch is eligible to return, however, after serving a one-match suspension.
REFEREE
Today's referee is Scott Duncan, who took charge of the Dons’ 5-1 promotion-clinching success over Yeovil Town back in May.
So far this season, Duncan has marshalled 10 matches and shown 28 yellow cards. He’s yet to brandish a red card but has awarded three penalties.
The two assistant referees are Graeme Fyvie and Stuart Butler, while Charles Breakspear is the fourth official.
SKY BET ODDS
Result:
QPR win – 21/20
Draw – 5/2
Dons win – 12/5
First goalscorer:
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas – 5/1
Sebastian Polter – 11/2
Matt Phillips – 6/1
Simon Church – 15/2
Josh Murphy – 10/1
Ben Reeves – 10/1
*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 2.55pm for live commentary of the Sky Bet Championship 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 12.30pm.
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 QPR are no longer available to buy- here's how you can stay in touch with the action!
