MK Dons will be looking to make it three wins on the bounce this afternoon when they entertain Port Vale in front of the Sky Sports cameras at Stadium MK.
Karl Robinson’s side go into the clash having beaten Oldham Athletic and Peterborough United in the past week – both victories came on the road and both came without a goal conceded.
The success at Oldham saw the men from MK1 move to within two points of the top six in Sky Bet League One and should they triumph again today then they will move even further up the table, possibly into the play-off places.
Kick-off is at 2.15pm.
Port Vale will arrive in Milton Keynes eager to bounce back from two successive defeats, although the Valiants do currently sit sixth in the League One table.
Bruno Riberio’s men are two points better off than the Dons after 11 games but the two sides are tied for goals scored (15) and conceded (14).
They’ve won five matches so far in 2016/17 although all of those have come at home – the Staffordshire club are yet to taste victory on the road having drawn two and lost three of their five away fixtures.
The Dons recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since the beginning of August after a 1-0 win at Peterborough United in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Robinson’s much-changed team dominated from start to finish and deservedly grabbed all three points courtesy of Kieran Agard’s first-half goal – the striker capped off of a fine attacking move with a simple finish from 12-yards.
The men from MK1 could have extended their lead after the re-start but Brandon Thomas-Asante and Giorgio Rasulo couldn’t find a way past Posh goalkeeper Luke McGee. Their 1-0 win, though, was enough to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy.
The success at Oldham saw the men from MK1 move to within two points of the top six in Sky Bet League One and should they triumph again today then they will move even further up the table, possibly into the play-off places.
Kick-off is at 2.15pm.
Port Vale will arrive in Milton Keynes eager to bounce back from two successive defeats, although the Valiants do currently sit sixth in the League One table.
Bruno Riberio’s men are two points better off than the Dons after 11 games but the two sides are tied for goals scored (15) and conceded (14).
They’ve won five matches so far in 2016/17 although all of those have come at home – the Staffordshire club are yet to taste victory on the road having drawn two and lost three of their five away fixtures.
The Dons recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since the beginning of August after a 1-0 win at Peterborough United in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Robinson’s much-changed team dominated from start to finish and deservedly grabbed all three points courtesy of Kieran Agard’s first-half goal – the striker capped off of a fine attacking move with a simple finish from 12-yards.
The men from MK1 could have extended their lead after the re-start but Brandon Thomas-Asante and Giorgio Rasulo couldn’t find a way past Posh goalkeeper Luke McGee. Their 1-0 win, though, was enough to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy.
The home loss was Vale’s second in a week – their best chance came courtesy of Hezim Shalaj but he fired over the crossbar.
Manager Ribeiro made six changes to his team, who were beaten by Matt Green goal midway through the second half.
Port Vale suffered their first defeat in the Checkatrade Trophy, losing 1-0 at home to League Two outfit Mansfield Town.
Karl Robinson: “We're fully aware of the qualities of Port Vale. Since the managers gone in he's brought in an awful lot of players from the continent and they're a very unique side. He’s come in and he's made a massive impact – the football I'm watching them play had been really exciting.
Last Dons win: 1-0, 22 Nov 2014 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 2
Dons wins: 3
His assistant referees this afternoon are Craig Taylor and Ashvin Degnarian, while the fourth official is Brett Huxtable.
The Tyne & Wear official has shown 51 yellow cards in 12 fixtures this season and has produced a red card on three occasions.
Sebastian Stockbridge will be the man in the middle for today's match, refereeing the Dons for the first time since March 2015.
Paulo Tavares is also unavailable for Sunday as he serves a one-match suspension for collecting five yellow cards but fellow midfielder Anthony Grant returns following his ban.
Port Vale will be without Anton Forrester, who suffered a hamstring injury last week against Coventry City.
George Baldock (hamstring) and Chuks Aneke (knee) are unavailable, however, while Scott Wootton (knee) is a long-term absentee.
In terms of injuries, Daniel Powell is back available after overcoming a thigh problem and an illness.
Karl Robinson rested several first-team regulars in midweek so could bring those names back into the starting line-up. However, those who featured at Peterborough United impressed so could work their way into the Liverpudlian’s plans.
“I think it’s important to bounce back from any loss, let alone two in a week, and with Sunday coming round we want to put in a performance and pick up three points.”
Alex Jones: “It’s going to be a big game, it’s a big month with some very good teams that we have to play, but if we pick up some points we will be right in the thick of it.
"It's important when we go into the game we are fully aware that these are going to have a lot of the ball on Sunday – it's not like any other team we've played and it's going to be real challenge for us.”
"They're going to think they can come here and outplay us because they've changed their style – a continental type of play and with players you won't necessarily recognise.
Last draw: 0-0, 11 Apr 2015 (Vale Park)
Draws at Stadium MK: 2
Draws: 3
Last Port Vale win: 1-0, 18 Apr 2014 (Vale Park)
Port Vale wins at Stadium MK: 0
Port Vale wins: 3
Port Vale wins at Stadium MK: 0
Port Vale wins: 3
What’s more, supporters can stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s matchday blog, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from midday on Monday.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here Can’t make it to a TV? MK Dons PlayerHD will have live commentary of this afternoon's match – click
Watch the match live on Sky Sports 1HD – coverage starts at 2.15pm.
for more betting options for today's Sky Bet League One game - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Rigino Cicillia: 15/2
Martin Paterson: 7/1
Ryan Colclough: 11/2
Nicky Maynard: 5/1
Alex Jones: 5/1
Kieran Agard: 4/1
First goalscorer
Port Vale win: 100/30
Draw: 13/5
Dons: 4/5
Result
SKY BET ODDS
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A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle. Tickets for today's clash with Port Vale are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/students, £7 under-18s and FREE under-12s, while there are discounts available for groups of 20 or more as part of Group Ticket Rewards Big Day.
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office or call 0333 200 5343.Tickets can also be bought from the cash-only booths around Stadium MK ahead of kick-off.
