Milton Keynes Dons

Karl Robinson’s men beat Shrewsbury Town in their Sky Bet League One opener at Greenhous Meadow, before following it up with come-from-behind success at Newport County in the first round of the EFL Cup.

Although they haven’t been able to maintain the winning feeling in their two recent home fixtures, the Dons will be looking to continue their strong form on the road and, hopefully, increase their points total to seven – a would-be solid return after the first four games.

They have on their side good form against today's opponents too, having won four of the last five meetings with Rochdale.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

THE OPPOSITION
Rochdale have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2016/17 season and will be out to claim their first league success of the campaign this afternoon.

Dale opened up with a 3-2 defeat at home to Peterborough United before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over League One rivals Chesterfield in the EFL Cup.

Keith Hill’s side then held promotion-hopefuls Sheffield United to a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane but they weren’t able to build on that result earlier this week, losing 1-0 at Port Vale on Tuesday evening.

LAST TIME OUT
The Dons saw their unbeaten start to the campaign come to an end at Stadium MK, after a 2-1 defeat to Bradford City.

The Bantams, who finished in the League One play-off places in 2015/16, took the lead through Josh Cullen’s scrambled finish before doubling their advantage courtesy of a 25-yard strike from Billy Clarke.

Robinson’s men responded in the second half and dominated large portions of the final 45 minutes but despite Ed Upson grabbing his first Club goal in stoppage-time, they weren’t able to overturn a two-goal deficit for the third time in a row.

The hosts, who missed a second-half penalty, scored the one and only goal of the match seven minutes after the interval when Nathan Smith headed in Sam Foley’s free-kick.

Strike Calvin Andrew should have put Rochdale ahead on 25 minutes but his shot from inside the are was saved by the Vale keeper.

Dale suffered their second defeat of the season against an unbeaten Port Vale outfit in Staffordshire.

“We know how hard it’s going to be. It’s always a challenge against Rochdale so we’ll have to be at our best.”

“Their manager has been with the club for a long time and has been successful there.

Karl Robinson: “Rochdale are certainly a good side. They’ve gone to Bramall Lane this season and put a great performance in there. I’ve watched a number of their games and they have real quality.
FIGHTING TALK

Last Dons win: 3-2, 25 Apr 2015 (Crown Oil Arena)
Dons wins at Crown Oil Arena: 3
Dons wins: 5
HEAD TO HEAD

His two assistant referees will be Barry Gordon and Danny Markham, while the fourth official is David Richardson.

Boyeson has taken charge of just two games so far this season, but has already produced seven yellow cards. He has yet to make sending off.

Carl Boyeson will be the man in the middle, with the East Yorkshire official refereeing the Dons for the first time in almost two years.
REFEREE

Ruben Noble-Lazarus and Peter Vincenti have both been suffering with ankle injuries of late and will be monitored ahead of kick-off, while Joe Rafferty and Oliver Rathbone are expecting to miss out through their own respective problems.

Rochdale may hand a debut to new signing Steven Davies, who has joined the Greater Manchester outfit on a one-year deal.

Chuks Aneke (knee) remains out.

One positive for the Dons is the return of midfielder Ben Reeves, who is back available after a spell on the sidelines with a calf problem. Samir Carruthers also made it through Tuesday’s match following his comeback from a groin injury.

Darren Potter (hip) and another unnamed key player both suffered injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Bradford City on Tuesday, while three others didn't travel on Friday due to illness.

Karl Robinson has a number of concerns heading into today's clash at the Crown Oil Arena.
TEAM NEWS

Keith Hill: “Karl is a good manager and he wants to play the right kind of football. They are a very intelligent, hard-working and attack-minded team.”

Last draw: 2-2, 25 Nov 2014 (Stadium MK)
Draws at the Crown Oil Arena: 0
Draws: 2

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

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 Sunday.

to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 2.55pm for live commentary – click
MATCH COVERAGE

Walsall v Charlton Athletic
Swindon Town v Port Vale
Southend United v Bristol Rovers
Shrewsbury Town v Chesterfield
Scunthorpe United v Gillingham
Oxford United v Peterborough United
Northampton Town v AFC Wimbledon
Millwall v Sheffield United
Bury v Oldham Athletic
Bradford City v Coventry City
Bolton Wanderers v Fleetwood Town
Today
ELSEWHERE IN LEAGUE ONE

for more betting options for today’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: 9/2
Daniel Powell: 7/2
Dean Bowditch: 7/2
Nicky Maynard: 3/1
Kieran Agard: 5/2
First Dons goalscorer

Dons win: 12/5
Draw: 23/10
Rochdale win: 23/20
Result
SKY BET ODDS !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 today's clash at Rochdale can now only be bought, cash only, at the Crown Oil Arena - they are priced at £22 adults, £16 seniors/young persons and £5 juniors.