The Dons and Bristol City occupy the two places above the Sky Bet Championship bottom three and are level on points – they go head-to-head at stadiummk this afternoon.
Karl Robinson’s side go into today’s important clash on the back of three impressive results.
After holding Cardiff City to a goalless draw in South Wales, they came within a couple of minutes of beating leaders Middlesbrough and then beat big-hitters Derby County at their iPro Stadium.
The men from MK1 conceded just one goal during that run and moved five points clear of the bottom three. If they avoid defeat again this afternoon, they will stretch their unbeaten run to four games for the first time in 2015/16.
THE OPPOSITION
Bristol City, like the Dons, are in good form and secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season with their impressive 2-1 win over Ipswich Town last weekend.
The Robins, who have appointed Lee Johnson as their new manager, had won just once in 11 games prior to their recent two successes, although that solitary triumph did come against table-toppers Boro.
Away from home, the Ashton Gate outfit have won three and drawn four of their 15 league matches, while their 10 goals scored is the fewest in the division.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, Jake Forster-Caskey’s stunning free-kick secured the Dons a memorable away victory at Derby County and important three points.
Robinson’s side frustrated the Rams and limited the promotion-contenders to very few clear-cut chances – when they did get a sight on goal, they found David Martin in inspired form.
Then, with seven minutes remaining, Forster-Caskey opened his Dons account with a superb free-kick which Derby keeper Scott Carson couldn’t keep out – a goal and an advantage which the men from MK1 were able to hold on to.
After holding Cardiff City to a goalless draw in South Wales, they came within a couple of minutes of beating leaders Middlesbrough and then beat big-hitters Derby County at their iPro Stadium.
The men from MK1 conceded just one goal during that run and moved five points clear of the bottom three. If they avoid defeat again this afternoon, they will stretch their unbeaten run to four games for the first time in 2015/16.
THE OPPOSITION
Bristol City, like the Dons, are in good form and secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season with their impressive 2-1 win over Ipswich Town last weekend.
The Robins, who have appointed Lee Johnson as their new manager, had won just once in 11 games prior to their recent two successes, although that solitary triumph did come against table-toppers Boro.
Away from home, the Ashton Gate outfit have won three and drawn four of their 15 league matches, while their 10 goals scored is the fewest in the division.
LAST TIME OUT
Last weekend, Jake Forster-Caskey’s stunning free-kick secured the Dons a memorable away victory at Derby County and important three points.
Robinson’s side frustrated the Rams and limited the promotion-contenders to very few clear-cut chances – when they did get a sight on goal, they found David Martin in inspired form.
Then, with seven minutes remaining, Forster-Caskey opened his Dons account with a superb free-kick which Derby keeper Scott Carson couldn’t keep out – a goal and an advantage which the men from MK1 were able to hold on to.
Tractor Boys striker Brett Pitman pulled one back for the visitors in the second half with a low finish but the Robins held on to move five points clear of the relegation places.
The centre-back doubled his and City’s tally 15 minutes later when, in similar fashion, he nodded in another Freeman delivery.
In Lee Johnson’s first game in charge, Flint opened the scoring when he rose highest to head Luke Freeman’s corner in off the post.
Bristol City also earned an important win last weekend, thanks to two goals from Aden Flint in their clash with Ipswich Town at Ashton Gate.
and they are arguably better this year.” mkstadium Karl Robinson: “We are very respectful of the opposition because they are really talented. Last year we had to be at our best to get a 0-0 against them at
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Lee Johnson: “It will be an interesting game. Its two teams that got promoted. At times they’ve found it tough this year but now they are finding their feet, just like us. They’ve slightly tweaked their style and become a lot more solid in the way they defend.”
Last draw: 1-1, 3rd Oct 2015 (Ashton Gate)
: 2 mkstadium Draws at
Draws: 5
Last Bristol City win: 3-2, 27th Sep 2014 (Ashton Gate)
: 0 mkstadium Bristol City wins at
Bristol City wins: 5
Last Dons win: N/A
: 0 mkstadium Dons wins at
Dons wins: 0
HEAD TO HEAD
The Dons have not lost this season when they have scored the first goal, while Bristol City have lost 10 of their away matches in which they have fallen behind.
MATCH FACT
Hill’s assistant referees on Saturday are Carl Brook and Akil Howson, while the fourth official is Brendan Malone.
In 25 games this season, the Hertfordshire official has booked 104 players and produced five red cards. He has also awarded six penalties, although hasn’t done so since October.
Keith Hill will take charge of today’s clash, refereeing the Dons for the first since their 4-1 victory over Notts County back in March last year.
REFEREE
Defender Luke Ayling, cousin of Dean Lewington, is out with a knee injury.
Bristol City aren’t expected to make any changes from the side who beat Ipswich last week, although midfielder Ben Gladwin (knee) is available for selection.
Reeves’ return means Matt Upson (hamstring) and Carl Baker (ankle) are the Dons’ only two absentees. Antony Kay has recovered from the illness which has kept him sidelined the past three games.
Ben Reeves is back in contention after missing the last month with a thigh injury.
TEAM NEWS
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
@MKDonsFC Those on Twitter can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page -
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.
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
for more betting options for today's Sky Bet Championship clash - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Jake Forster-Caskey: 11/2
Rob Hall: 9/2
Josh Murphy: 4/1
Nicky Maynard: 3/1
First Dons goalscorer
Bristol City win: 13/10
Draw: 23/10
Dons win: 21/10
Result
SKY BET ODDS Tickets for today's clash with Bristol City are priced from £25 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - female fans can buy tickets inclubRed from just £25 adults and £15 under-18s.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office/cash only booths at stadiummk or 0333 200 5343.
