MK Dons will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2016/17 season this evening, when they take on Bradford City under the lights at Stadium MK.
The men from MK1 have taken four points from their clashes with Shrewsbury Town and Millwall, while they also beat Newport County in a thrilling EFL Cup tie at Rodney Parade.
Among the many positives to take from the first three outings, is the character that Robinson’s side have shown having come from behind to earn their win at Newport and Saturday’s draw with a top-six League One outfit Lions.
They’ll be looking to go one step better tonight against another play-off side from 2015/16.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Bradford, like the Dons, have four points to their name from their opening two league outings.
The Bantams have yet to concede a goal in 2015/16, inclusive of their EFL Cup tie at Accrington Stanley where they were beaten on penalties following a goalless draw.
They have, though, only scored once compared to the Dons’ six, with that solitary strike coming from young striker Jordy Hiwula 11 minutes into their victory over Peterborough United this past Saturday.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons came from two goals down to earn a draw against Millwall, in a thrilling encounter at Stadium MK.
Millwall went ahead on 24 minutes when Dons striker Nicky Maynard turned his teammate Ed Upson’s header past Martin. They then doubled their lead through David Worrall just three minutes later.
The Dons, however, responded almost instantly through club-record signing Kieran Agard, who found the bottom right-corner of the Lions net with a low strike. The striker then completed a debut brace when he latched onto Upson’s lofted pass and bravely looped a header over Jordan Archer.
Among the many positives to take from the first three outings, is the character that Robinson’s side have shown having come from behind to earn their win at Newport and Saturday’s draw with a top-six League One outfit Lions.
They’ll be looking to go one step better tonight against another play-off side from 2015/16.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Bradford, like the Dons, have four points to their name from their opening two league outings.
The Bantams have yet to concede a goal in 2015/16, inclusive of their EFL Cup tie at Accrington Stanley where they were beaten on penalties following a goalless draw.
They have, though, only scored once compared to the Dons’ six, with that solitary strike coming from young striker Jordy Hiwula 11 minutes into their victory over Peterborough United this past Saturday.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons came from two goals down to earn a draw against Millwall, in a thrilling encounter at Stadium MK.
Millwall went ahead on 24 minutes when Dons striker Nicky Maynard turned his teammate Ed Upson’s header past Martin. They then doubled their lead through David Worrall just three minutes later.
The Dons, however, responded almost instantly through club-record signing Kieran Agard, who found the bottom right-corner of the Lions net with a low strike. The striker then completed a debut brace when he latched onto Upson’s lofted pass and bravely looped a header over Jordan Archer.
Posh forward Marcus Maddison forced a save out of Colin Doyle with five minutes to go and Tom Nicholls steer a header wide as Bradford held on to earn their first win of the Stuart McCall reign.
Jordy Hiwula scored the only goal of the campaign 12 minutes into the match with a cushioned header from captain Tony McMahon’s cross.
Bradford earned their first victory of the season with a 1-0 triumph at Peterborough.
Last Dons win: 2-0, 23rd Sep 2014 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 2
Dons wins: 5
HEAD TO HEAD
Haines’ assistant referees are Nicholas Cooper and Christopher Husband, while the fourth official is Garry Maskell.
The Tyne & Wear official has marshalled three fixtures so far this season and booked seven players. He has yet to produce a red card.
Andy Haines will take charge of this evening’s match, refereeing the Dons for the first time since March 2012.
REFEREE
Bradford, meanwhile, are without defenders Rory McArdle and Stephen Darby but new signing Matthew Kilgallon may feature after joining the Bantams last week.
Two players who won’t make tonight’s game are Ben Reeves (calf), who is getting closer to a return, and Chuks Aneke (knee), who is the Dons’ only long-term absentee.
Dean Bowditch continued his comeback from a calf problem with a half-an-hour cameo against Millwall so could be involved again, while Giorgio Rasulo (foot) is also expected to be available after a short spell on the sidelines.
The Dons could be boosted by the return of Samir Carruthers, who limped out of the season opener against Shrewsbury Town with a groin injury.
TEAM NEWS
"With James Hanson up front they're always going to be a threat – he has been one of the most efficient strikers in the league at attacking wide deliveries. We'll have to change how we defend crosses to ensure he can't attack above the centre backs. I also think Josh Cullen in midfield looks outstanding.”
Karl Robinson: “Bradford were excellent on Saturday and we have to make sure we're at our best.
FIGHTING TALK
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 on Wednesday.
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MATCH COVERAGE
Fleetwood Town v Oxford United
Bristol Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Wednesday
Sheffield United v Southend United
Port Vale v Rochdale
Peterborough United v Millwall
Oldham Athletic v Northampton Town
Gillingham v Swindon Town
Coventry City v Bury
Chesterfield v Walsall
Charlton Athletic v Shrewsbury Town
AFC Wimbledon v Scunthorpe United
Tonight
ELSEWHERE IN LEAGUE ONE
for more betting options for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One clash - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
George C Williams: 4/1
Dean Bowditch: 7/2
Daniel Powell: 7/2
Nicky Maynard: 3/1
Kieran Agard: 9/4
First Dons goalscorer
Bradford win: 9/5
Draw: 23/10
Dons win: 6/4
Result
SKY BET ODDS
Last draw: N/A
Draws at Stadium MK: N/A
Draws: 0
Last Bradford win: 3-1, 9th Feb 2015 (The Coral Windows Stadium)
Bradford wins at Stadium MK: 3
Bradford wins: 7 !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, TwitterThere will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
Tickets for tonight's Stadium MK clash with Bradford City are priced at £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s, while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office/centre:mk kiosk or call 0333 200 5343.
