The Dons take on second-placed Middlesbrough at stadiummk this evening, looking to cause an upset and move further clear of the Sky Bet Championship bottom three.
Karl Robinson’s side are currently two points clear of Rotherham United having played a one less – tonight’s clash with Boro is the side’s game in hand.
The men from MK1 have been in solid form at home this season, especially on a Tuesday night where they have won five of their six matches in all competitions.
They have also won three of their last five stadiummk fixtures, scoring six goals and conceding just once.
THE OPPOSITION
Middlesbrough can move top of the Championship table if they avoid defeat in Milton Keynes this evening.
No side in the division has won more league games on the road than the Teeside club, who have been victorious in seven of their 13 away fixtures.
However, Aitor Karanka’s side have won just one of their last five games and have been beaten by Burnley, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest within the past month.
LAST TIME OUT
Despite testing conditions in South Wales, Karl Robinson’s side were able to grind out a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City on Saturday.
The men from MK1 did enough defensively to keep the in-form hosts at bay and on the occasions where the Bluebirds were able get through the Dons’ backline, Martin proved impossible to beat.
Robinson's side enjoyed dominant spells themselves, with Nicky Maynard and Jake Forster-Caskey both going close.
The men from MK1 have been in solid form at home this season, especially on a Tuesday night where they have won five of their six matches in all competitions.
They have also won three of their last five stadiummk fixtures, scoring six goals and conceding just once.
THE OPPOSITION
Middlesbrough can move top of the Championship table if they avoid defeat in Milton Keynes this evening.
No side in the division has won more league games on the road than the Teeside club, who have been victorious in seven of their 13 away fixtures.
However, Aitor Karanka’s side have won just one of their last five games and have been beaten by Burnley, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest within the past month.
LAST TIME OUT
Despite testing conditions in South Wales, Karl Robinson’s side were able to grind out a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City on Saturday.
The men from MK1 did enough defensively to keep the in-form hosts at bay and on the occasions where the Bluebirds were able get through the Dons’ backline, Martin proved impossible to beat.
Robinson's side enjoyed dominant spells themselves, with Nicky Maynard and Jake Forster-Caskey both going close.
Boro then introduced Deadline Day signing Jordan Rhodes against his former outfit and his arrival appeared to inspire his new teammates, who pulled themselves level with 11 minutes remaining – Nugent nodding home Emilio Nsue’s cross.
Jordi Gomez put the home side ahead on his debut with a superb strike from 20-yards.
Middlesbrough travelled to Blackburn Rovers last weekend and earned a point courtesy of a late David Nugent header.
Middlesbrough wins at
Middlesbrough wins: 1
Last Dons win: N/A
: 0 mkstadium Dons wins at
Dons wins: 0
HEAD TO HEAD
Davies’ assistant referees are Darren Blunden and Michael D’aguilar while the fourth official is Graham Horwood.
The Hampshire official has marshalled 23 games, shown 91 yellow cards and sent off four players in 2015/16. He has also awarded two penalties.
Andy Davies will referee tonight’s game, taking charge of the Dons for the second time this season.
REFEREE
Loan signing Gaston Ramirez will also hope to be involved but centre-back Daniel Ayala (ankle) won’t feature.
Striker Jordan Rhodes is expected to make his full debut for Boro, after joining from Blackburn at end of the winter transfer window.
Ben Reeves (thigh), Matt Upson (hamstring) and Carl Baker (ankle) are all sidelined while Antony Kay missed the match in South Wales due to an illness.
The Dons have no fresh injury worries following Saturday’s clash at Cardiff.
TEAM NEWS
Aitor Karanka: “We are expecting a tough test from MK Dons because they are fighting to stay in this division. The game here was difficult and now in February they have four new players and have strengthened their squad, so it will be a tough game."
in recent years” mkstadium Karl Robinson: “Middlesbrough are one of the most talented sides in this division and that is reflected by their league position. They are going to provide one of the toughest tests we’ve had here at
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS mkstadium Draws at
Draws: 0
Last Cardiff win: 2-0, 12th Sep 2015
: 0 mkstadium
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
@MKDonsFC can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page - Twitter Those on
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 5pm.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 7.40pm for live commentary of tonight’s game - click
MATCH COVERAGE
for more betting options for tonight’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
Rob Hall: 10/1
Nicky Maynard: 8/1
Stewart Downing: 15/2
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas: 15/2
Christian Stuani: 5/1
Jordan Rhodes: 4/1
First goalscorer
Middlesbrough win: 17/20
Draw: 5/2
Dons win: 100/30
Result
SKY BET ODDS
Last draw: N/A
: 0 Tickets for tonight's clash with Boro are priced from £25 adults/£7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - Club Dons members can buy a ticket for £15 in all standard areas.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets can be bought right up until kick-off.
Middlesbrough wins: 1
Last Dons win: N/A
: 0 mkstadium Dons wins at
Dons wins: 0
HEAD TO HEAD
Davies’ assistant referees are Darren Blunden and Michael D’aguilar while the fourth official is Graham Horwood.
The Hampshire official has marshalled 23 games, shown 91 yellow cards and sent off four players in 2015/16. He has also awarded two penalties.
Andy Davies will referee tonight’s game, taking charge of the Dons for the second time this season.
REFEREE
Loan signing Gaston Ramirez will also hope to be involved but centre-back Daniel Ayala (ankle) won’t feature.
Striker Jordan Rhodes is expected to make his full debut for Boro, after joining from Blackburn at end of the winter transfer window.
Ben Reeves (thigh), Matt Upson (hamstring) and Carl Baker (ankle) are all sidelined while Antony Kay missed the match in South Wales due to an illness.
The Dons have no fresh injury worries following Saturday’s clash at Cardiff.
TEAM NEWS
Aitor Karanka: “We are expecting a tough test from MK Dons because they are fighting to stay in this division. The game here was difficult and now in February they have four new players and have strengthened their squad, so it will be a tough game."
in recent years” mkstadium Karl Robinson: “Middlesbrough are one of the most talented sides in this division and that is reflected by their league position. They are going to provide one of the toughest tests we’ve had here at
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS mkstadium Draws at
Draws: 0
Last Cardiff win: 2-0, 12th Sep 2015
: 0 mkstadium
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
@MKDonsFC can also follow every pass, tackle, shot and goal by following the Club’s official page - Twitter Those on
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 5pm.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here Tune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 7.40pm for live commentary of tonight’s game - click
MATCH COVERAGE
for more betting options for tonight’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
Rob Hall: 10/1
Nicky Maynard: 8/1
Stewart Downing: 15/2
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas: 15/2
Christian Stuani: 5/1
Jordan Rhodes: 4/1
First goalscorer
Middlesbrough win: 17/20
Draw: 5/2
Dons win: 100/30
Result
SKY BET ODDS
Last draw: N/A
: 0 Tickets for tonight's clash with Boro are priced from £25 adults/£7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership - Club Dons members can buy a ticket for £15 in all standard areas.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets can be bought right up until kick-off.
