Robbie Neilson will watch from the stands as his MK Dons side take on former boss Karl Robinson and Charlton Athletic in the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Neilson was appointed as first-team manager late on Friday so duties will remain with Richie Barker, who will be looking to lead the team to back-to-back victories for only the second time this season.
The men from MK1 moved out of the Sky Bet League One relegation places courtesy of their 2-1 win at Coventry City last weekend and ahead of a busy month of league fixtures, they’ll be looking to build some momentum by coming out on top again this afternoon.
Not only that, they’ll also be looking to make it through to the Third Round of the prestigious competition for the fifth time in six years.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Ex-Dons boss Robinson officially takes charge of his first Addicks match, where he will hope to maintain their recent run of good form.
Since losing back-to-back games at the start of October, Charlton have lost just once in 10 games, a stretch which has included victories over Scunthorpe United, Port Vale and Bristol Rovers – their 5-1 win over Rovers was a particularly impressive result.
While their attacking prowess was on full display that evening at the Memorial Stadium, it has been their defensive form which has been more impressive this campaign – the South East London outfit have conceded just 24 goals conceded in 24 games in all competitions.
At home, the Addicks have enjoyed mixed fortunes having won five, drawn four and lost three. They have, though, won four of their last five games at the Valley, which is form they’ll be hopeful of continuing later today.
Ed Upson scored twice to earn the Dons a vital three points at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena.
The midfielder put his side ahead on 31 minutes, heading home a cross from Dean Lewington, but the Sky Blues equalised before half-time courtesy of stunning first-time strike from Ben Stevenson.
Upson, though, swept home a deflected Lewington effort with 10 minutes to play to earn the men from MK1 a first win in five games and lift them out of the Sky Bet League One relegation places.
The men from MK1 moved out of the Sky Bet League One relegation places courtesy of their 2-1 win at Coventry City last weekend and ahead of a busy month of league fixtures, they’ll be looking to build some momentum by coming out on top again this afternoon.
Not only that, they’ll also be looking to make it through to the Third Round of the prestigious competition for the fifth time in six years.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Ex-Dons boss Robinson officially takes charge of his first Addicks match, where he will hope to maintain their recent run of good form.
Since losing back-to-back games at the start of October, Charlton have lost just once in 10 games, a stretch which has included victories over Scunthorpe United, Port Vale and Bristol Rovers – their 5-1 win over Rovers was a particularly impressive result.
While their attacking prowess was on full display that evening at the Memorial Stadium, it has been their defensive form which has been more impressive this campaign – the South East London outfit have conceded just 24 goals conceded in 24 games in all competitions.
At home, the Addicks have enjoyed mixed fortunes having won five, drawn four and lost three. They have, though, won four of their last five games at the Valley, which is form they’ll be hopeful of continuing later today.
Ed Upson scored twice to earn the Dons a vital three points at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena.
The midfielder put his side ahead on 31 minutes, heading home a cross from Dean Lewington, but the Sky Blues equalised before half-time courtesy of stunning first-time strike from Ben Stevenson.
Upson, though, swept home a deflected Lewington effort with 10 minutes to play to earn the men from MK1 a first win in five games and lift them out of the Sky Bet League One relegation places.
Billy Sharp almost added another for United but it was the Addicks who grabbed the crucial second goal – Patrick Bauer meeting Adam Chicksen’s free-kick to nod in an equaliser from close-range.
Striker Josh Magennis had a goal disallowed for offside early on in the content before Sheffield United broke the deadlock on 32 minutes with a cleverly lifted shot from the edge of the area.
Charlton maintained their good run of form with a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United.
“They are a team who are on the up. They’ve had three very good recent results and they’ll be motivated with their new manager.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing Karl, as I’m sure everybody is. It will be good to see him before and after the game but for the 90 minutes it doesn’t make a difference who he is.
Richie Barker: “With Karl being at Charlton, it is one of those strange twists that only football can throw up but, at the end of the day, it’s an FA Cup tie and there’s an opportunity to get to the Third Round, which I think is one of the best days in English football.
“This is a new chapter and I am very proud and excited . It is all about what we do on that green stuff. I can’t wait to get started on Saturday.”
Karl Robinson: “The respect that I have for that club is great. It will be nice for me and my family to come up against them but this is me now.
Last Dons win: 1-0, 3 Nov 2015 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at the Valley: 0
Dons wins: 2
Midfielder Ahmed Kashi (Achilles) is another injury concern for the Addicks.
Charlton will be without winger Ricky Holmes, who is sidelined with a foot injury.
Nicky Maynard (hamstring) remains a doubt while Scott Wootton (knee) is a long-term absentee.
The Dons have no fresh injury concerns for this afternoon's tie at the Valley but George C Williams is unavailable due to the terms of his loan.
Last draw: 0-0, 8 Mar 2016 (The Valley)
Draws at the Valley: 1
Draws: 2
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!
Supporters 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.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here MK Dons PlayerHD will have live commentary of today’s match – click
Click here for more betting options for today’s Emirates FA Cup tie - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Ademola Lookman: 6/1
Lee Novak: 11/2
Josh Magennis: 9/2
Nicky Ajose: 9/2
No goalscorer: 11/1
Daniel Powell: 8/1
Ryan Colclough: 7/1
Dean Bowditch: 13/2
Kieran Agard: 5/1
First goalscorer
Charlton win: 6/5
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 21/10
Result
Last Charlton win: 2-1, 14 Feb 2012 (The Valley)
Charlton wins at the Valley: 3
Charlton wins: 5 Tickets for today's Emirates FA Cup tie can be bought from the South Stand ticket office at the Valley, priced at £10 adults, £5 over-65s/under-21s and £1 under-18s.
