A date with Premier League outfit Chelsea awaits the winners of tonight’s Emirates FA Cup third-round replay at stadiummk.
Since that game Karl Robinson’s side have won one and lost one, with the victory coming this past Saturday afternoon – a 1-0 triumph over Reading which was the Dons’ eighth home success of the campaign in all competitions.
The men from MK1 will want to add a ninth home win tonight.
THE OPPOSITION
Since the draw at Sixfields Stadium, Northampton have won both of their games, including a very impressive 2-1 victory over Sky Bet League 2 leaders Plymouth Argyle.
The Cobblers followed that success up with a win over Dagenham & Redbridge by the same scoreline, a result which keeps them level on points with Argyle at the top of the table – Northampton are in second on goal difference.
Ricky Holmes netted in Saturday’s win at the Daggers, to add to the two goals he scored in the original tie with the Dons – the midfielder has netted four in his last four games.
LAST TIME OUT
Joe Walsh’s first goal for the Dons earned them an important 1-0 success over Reading at stadiummk.
There was little to separate the two sides throughout much of the contest, although David Martin did have to make two impressive saves. That kept the scores level until Walsh secured all three points with an acrobatic volley from a corner.
The Cobblers fell behind to Christian Doidge’s 62nd minute finish but responded eight minutes later when John-Joe O’Toole headed in a Nicky Adams corner. Ricky Holmes then won the game with a fine volley.
Meanwhile, Northampton maintained the pressure on top spot in League 2 with a come-from-behind win at Dag & Red.
“There is no pressure on us and I want the players and the fans to enjoy it. The supporters are going to give us a huge boost and we just want to repay them for their loyalty.”
Chris Wilder: “(The Dons) had a great result on Saturday and whatever players they play we know that it is going to be a tough challenge for us to overcome.
“There’s going to be an intense atmosphere so we need to make sure we’re ready for it.”
Karl Robinson: “Chris Wilder has put a good side together and it’s phenomenal to see where they are having gone through what they have done. It’s a testament to him and his staff.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
)mkstadium Last Dons win: 2-0, 3rd Sep 2013 (
: 2 mkstadium Dons wins at
Dons wins: 5
HEAD TO HEAD
, scoring four goals and conceding just one. mkstadium The Dons have one both of their only two meetings with Northampton Town at
MATCH FACT
Harrington’s two assistant referees will be Andrew Hendley and Declan Bourne while the fourth official is Christopher Sarginson.
The Cleveland-based official has refereed 17 games in 2015/16, brandished 49 yellow cards and sent off only one player. He has awarded three penalties.
Tony Harrington will take charge of the Dons for the very first time this evening.
REFEREE
James Collins and Lee Martin are ineligible to feature having already featured in the competition for other clubs this season.
Northampton will be without Lawson D’Ath due to a groin injury but they are hoping to have Alfie Potter (rib) available.
Kyle McFadzean is one player who won’t be involved as he begins a two-game suspension for picking up 10 yellow cards this season.
Robinson has confirmed he will have to make changes to his side this evening.
TEAM NEWS
Last draw: 2-2, 9th Jan 2016 (Sixfields)
: 0 mkstadium Draws
Draws: 1
Last Northampton win: 1-0, 4th Sep 2012 (Sixfields)
: 0 mkstadium Northampton wins
Northampton wins: 1
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 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
! Sky Bet for odds on all Emirates FA Cup markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Ricky Holmes: 10/1
Josh Murphy: 15/2
Sam Hoskins: 15/2
Rob Hall: 7/1
Marc Richards: 11/2
Nicky Maynard: 5/1
First goalscorer
Either team on penalties: 5/1
Either team in extra time: 13/2
Method of victory
Northampton to win in 90 minutes: 12/5
Northampton to win the tie: 13/8
Draw: 12/5
Dons to win in 90 minutes: 11/10
Dons to win the tie: 4/9
Result
SKY BET ODDS Tickets for tonight's Emirates FA Cup third-round replay with Northampton Town are priced from just £12 adults, £5 under-18s and £1 under-12s -, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at centre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.here To purchase tickets click
for full details! hereclick