MK Dons’ excellent away form will be put to the test this afternoon when they face Sky Bet League One leaders Scunthorpe United at Glanford Park.
Karl Robinson’s men have the best away record in the division – alongside, ironically, Scunthorpe – having won four and drawn one of their six matches on the road this season.
Only the Iron have scored more goals away from home than the Dons (11), while their total of five away goals conceded is bettered by just one side – Bradford City.
Another away triumph today should see the men from MK1 move into first place in all those categories and also climb back up League One table.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Scunthorpe occupy first place in League One having collected 25 points from their opening 12 matches.
The Iron have lost just once in the league this season, while they lead the way in terms of goals scored with 27 to their name. They’ve also impressed at the back, having conceded just 12 times – the third-best total in the division.
Josh Morris has netted 12 of those 27 goals and that total sees him lead the League One scorer charts - nine other Scunthorpe players have been on the scoresheet in 2015/16, including striker Kevin Van Veen (6) and Tom Hopper (3).
Graham Alexander’s’ team are also unbeaten at Glanford Park, although they’ve not won in their last three home matches having drawn with Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and Northampton Town.
The Dons slipped to a frustrating 1-0 loss at home to Port Vale – only their second defeat in seven games.
Robinson’s side started brightly and Kieran Agard had an early header well saved by Jak Alnwick.
Dean Lewington then struck the post with a left-footed effort before the left-back misjudged a cross into the box, handled the ball and gave Vale the chance to open the scoring – Alex Jones’ spot-kick was saved but he managed to convert the rebound, giving his side a half-time lead.
Substitutes Nicky Maynard and Brandon Thomas-Asante both forced saves from Alnwick in the second-half while Ben Reeves hit the bar with a stoppage-time free-kick, but the Dons weren’t able to grab an equaliser.
Only the Iron have scored more goals away from home than the Dons (11), while their total of five away goals conceded is bettered by just one side – Bradford City.
Another away triumph today should see the men from MK1 move into first place in all those categories and also climb back up League One table.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Scunthorpe occupy first place in League One having collected 25 points from their opening 12 matches.
The Iron have lost just once in the league this season, while they lead the way in terms of goals scored with 27 to their name. They’ve also impressed at the back, having conceded just 12 times – the third-best total in the division.
Josh Morris has netted 12 of those 27 goals and that total sees him lead the League One scorer charts - nine other Scunthorpe players have been on the scoresheet in 2015/16, including striker Kevin Van Veen (6) and Tom Hopper (3).
Graham Alexander’s’ team are also unbeaten at Glanford Park, although they’ve not won in their last three home matches having drawn with Charlton Athletic, Sheffield United and Northampton Town.
The Dons slipped to a frustrating 1-0 loss at home to Port Vale – only their second defeat in seven games.
Robinson’s side started brightly and Kieran Agard had an early header well saved by Jak Alnwick.
Dean Lewington then struck the post with a left-footed effort before the left-back misjudged a cross into the box, handled the ball and gave Vale the chance to open the scoring – Alex Jones’ spot-kick was saved but he managed to convert the rebound, giving his side a half-time lead.
Substitutes Nicky Maynard and Brandon Thomas-Asante both forced saves from Alnwick in the second-half while Ben Reeves hit the bar with a stoppage-time free-kick, but the Dons weren’t able to grab an equaliser.
Northampton then had Matt Taylor sent off on the hour-mark for a poor tackle on Neal Bishop but the Cobblers were still able to restore parity courtesy of Jack McCourt’s close-range finish.
The Iron broke the deadlock just before half-time through Josh Morris’ curling free-kick from the edge of the box.
Scunthorpe were forced to settle for a third successive home league draw after Northampton Town came from behind to rescue a point at Glanford Park.
“We’ve been working on so many things in training and we’re going up there full of confidence.”
“Graham (Alexander) has done an amazing job since he’s been there and I’m expecting a very competitive game.
Karl Robinson: “We’re going to the league leaders so it will be a difficult place for us to go and play.
Last Dons win: 2-0, 7 Apr 2015 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Glanford Park: 3
Dons wins: 5
His two assistant referees are Gary Hilton and Matthew Bristow, with Simon Mathe the fourth official.
The West Yorkshire official has shown 27 yellow cards in nine games this season, while he’s produced three red cards, including two in the League One clash between Bury and Shrewsbury Town.
Mark Haywood will take charge today, refereeing the Dons for the first time since November 2014.
Scunthorpe only have two injury worries ahead of today's game, with striker Luke Williams and defender Jordan Clarke both out of action for the next fortnight.
Chuks Aneke (knee) and Scott Wootton (knee) remain long-term absentees.
George Baldock (hamstring) remains sidelined while George C Williams is back available after spending a week away with Wales Under-21s.
Karl Robinson revealed to MK Dons PlayerHD that one member of his squad is struggling with an illness, which could keep him out of this afternoon's match.
“We know of their threats, but it’s a good game for us as well because we want to get back out at Glanford Park. important we focus on that and make sure we learnt from the game on Saturday.”
“The lads are excited about the game because it’s a good game for us. We know that MK Dons like to play decent football, so it’ll be a competitive game,”
Graham Alexander: “It’ll be a good game. They’ve got a very good away record and they’ve got good players.
Last draw: 1-1, 27 Jan 2015 (Glanford Park)
Draws at Glanford Park: 1
Draws: 4
Draws at Glanford Park: 1
Draws: 4
Last Scunthorpe win: 1-0, 20 Apr 2013 (Stadium MK)
Scunthorpe wins at Glanford Park: 1
Scunthorpe wins: 3
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 on Sunday.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! here MK Dons PlayerHD will have live commentary of this afternoon's match, with coverage starting at 2.55pm – click
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
Ryan Colclough: 15/2
Nicky Maynard: 7/1
Kieran Agard: 11/2
Paddy Madden: 5/1
Kevin van Veen: 5/1
Josh Morris: 3/1
First goalscorer
Scunthorpe win: 13/10
Draw: 12/5
Dons win: 2/1
Result!Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, TwitterThere will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle. Tickets for MK Dons' clash at Scunthorpe United can be bought at Glanford Park today - tickets are priced at £22 adults, £15 seniors/students/18-21s, £11 under-18s and £6 under-16s, while under-12s go FREE.
