MK Dons take on Charlton Athletic for the third time in as many weeks this weekend - and they’ll be looking to secure successive victories over the Addicks.
After playing out a goalless draw in the Emirates FA Cup at the start of December, the two sides met 10 days later at Stadium MK where the Dons came out on top courtesy of a 3-1 extra-time success.
That triumph was one of two the men from MK1 have enjoyed at home since the arrival of Robbie Neilson and they’ll be looking to make it three straight wins today – the last time they enjoyed a run as good as that was at the back end of the 2014/15 season.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Charlton will arrive in Milton Keynes still looking for their first win under new boss – and former Dons manager – Karl Robinson.
The Liverpudlian led the Addicks to a pair of draws in his first two games in charge but has since seen his side lose three straight, including that extra-time defeat at Stadium MK in the Emirates FA Cup.
They currently sit four places and four points above the Dons in the Sky Bet League One table, which is largely down to their solid home form. Away from The Valley, the South East London club have won just two league matches although they’ve also proven hard to beat having lost only three times.
Gillingham inflicted a first Sky Bet League One defeat on the Dons’ new boss Robbie Neilson, courtesy of their 1-0 success at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Dean Lewington cleared an early Bradley Dack header off the line in the first half but it was the men from MK1 who had the best chance to open the scoring before the break.
After Kieran Agard was fouled in the area, Neilson’s side were awarded a stoppage-time penalty but top scorer Dean Bowditch was denied from 12 yards by Stuart Nelson.
That miss proved pivotal as, in the second half, the Gills would go onto win the game courtesy of Cody McDonald’s header.
That triumph was one of two the men from MK1 have enjoyed at home since the arrival of Robbie Neilson and they’ll be looking to make it three straight wins today – the last time they enjoyed a run as good as that was at the back end of the 2014/15 season.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Charlton will arrive in Milton Keynes still looking for their first win under new boss – and former Dons manager – Karl Robinson.
The Liverpudlian led the Addicks to a pair of draws in his first two games in charge but has since seen his side lose three straight, including that extra-time defeat at Stadium MK in the Emirates FA Cup.
They currently sit four places and four points above the Dons in the Sky Bet League One table, which is largely down to their solid home form. Away from The Valley, the South East London club have won just two league matches although they’ve also proven hard to beat having lost only three times.
Gillingham inflicted a first Sky Bet League One defeat on the Dons’ new boss Robbie Neilson, courtesy of their 1-0 success at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Dean Lewington cleared an early Bradley Dack header off the line in the first half but it was the men from MK1 who had the best chance to open the scoring before the break.
After Kieran Agard was fouled in the area, Neilson’s side were awarded a stoppage-time penalty but top scorer Dean Bowditch was denied from 12 yards by Stuart Nelson.
That miss proved pivotal as, in the second half, the Gills would go onto win the game courtesy of Cody McDonald’s header.
Nicky Ajose reduced the deficit after the re-start but Morison sealed the points for Millwall with his second goal of the night.
Aiden O’Brien headed home a Shaun Cummings cross to put the Lions ahead late in the first half before Steve Morison made it 2-0 with a volley just two minutes later.
Charlton were beaten 3-1 by Millwall on Wednesday in their South London derby at the Den.
“They’ve got real threat up front. (Josh) Magennis is strong and powerful while (Nicky) Ajose is quick. (Jordan) Botaka is very unpredictable as well. We know that, defensively, it’s going to be a real tough game.”
Robbie Neilson: “It’s going to be a tough game. Although we won that FA Cup game, it went to extra-time which shows how tight the two teams are.”
“It’s something we have to get right for obvious reasons. We can’t keep going on as we are.”
Karl Robinson: “It takes a lot of grit and determination to make people proud of what you’re trying to achieve – right now not too many people would be proud of what they’re seeing, because it’s not good enough for this football club.
Last Dons win: 3-1 AET, 13 Dec 2016 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 3
Dons wins: 3
Sarginson’s assistant referees are Dean Treleaven and Kevin Howick while the fourth official is Andrew Fox.
The Staffordshire official, who last took charge of the Dons back in March 2015, has refereed 20 games so far this season and shown 62 yellow cards. He’s only produced his red card twice and hasn’t done so since September.
Christopher Sarginson will be the man in the middle on Boxing Day.
Midfielder Freddie Ulvestad is a doubt too.
Goalkeeper Declan Rudd as well as defenders Jason Pearce and Chris Solly are all unavailable, while attacking players Ricky Holmes and Lee Novak are also sidelined.
Charlton have a lengthy injury list and could be without a host of key players.
Scott Wootton (knee) is out long term.
They should, though, have Joe Walsh (ankle) back available while Nicky Maynard (hamstring) and Chuks Aneke (knee) continues to near full fitness.
The Dons will be without George Baldock (hamstring) and Darren Potter (suspension) this afternoon.
Last draw: 0-0, 3 Dec 2016 (The Valley)
Draws at Stadium MK: 1
Draws: 3
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
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 the Boxing Day match – click
FOLLOW IT LIVE!
for more betting options for today’s Sky Bet League One fixture – don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Jordan Botaka: 12/1
Ademola Lookman: 15/2
Josh Magennis: 11/2
Nicky Ajose: 11/2
No goalscorer: 10/1
Ben Reeves: 9/1
Ryan Colclough: 7/1
Dean Bowditch: 11/2
Kieran Agard: 9/2
First goalscorer
Charlton win: 13/5
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 21/20
Result
Last Charlton win: 2-1, 14 Feb 2012 (The Valley)
Charlton wins at Stadium MK: 2
Charlton wins: 5 !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
hereTo purchase tickets click or visit the Box Office/cash-only booths around Stadium MK.
Tickets for today's clash with Charlton are priced at £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s, while under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership - Season Ticket holders can also bring two friends from just £30!
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 the Boxing Day match – click
FOLLOW IT LIVE!
for more betting options for today’s Sky Bet League One fixture – don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Jordan Botaka: 12/1
Ademola Lookman: 15/2
Josh Magennis: 11/2
Nicky Ajose: 11/2
No goalscorer: 10/1
Ben Reeves: 9/1
Ryan Colclough: 7/1
Dean Bowditch: 11/2
Kieran Agard: 9/2
First goalscorer
Charlton win: 13/5
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 21/20
Result
Last Charlton win: 2-1, 14 Feb 2012 (The Valley)
Charlton wins at Stadium MK: 2
Charlton wins: 5 !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
hereTo purchase tickets click or visit the Box Office/cash-only booths around Stadium MK.
Tickets for today's clash with Charlton are priced at £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s, while under-12s can go FREE with a Young Dons membership - Season Ticket holders can also bring two friends from just £30!
