MK Dons travel to the Macron Stadium today looking to return to winning ways against the Sky Bet League One leaders.
Karl Robinson’s side fell to their second successive league defeat at Northampton Town last weekend – a game in which they came close to pulling off a dramatic late comeback after falling three goals behind at Sixfields.
It was the first time this season that the Dons had conceded on the road this season, having kept clean sheets in their first two away fixtures at Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale.
The men from MK1 won both of those matches 1-0 and there’s no doubt Robinson and his side would take a similar result in Greater Manchester this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Bolton have bounced back from the disappointment of relegation in 2015/16 by winning four of their first six league matches this season – form which has seen Phil Parkinson named Manager of the Month.
The Trotters occupy top spot in the League One table and are one of two teams who remain unbeaten in the league in the first four weeks of the season.
They’ve not exactly been high scorers, having netted nine times but their total number of goals conceded (five) is tied for the second-fewest in the division – they’ve only conceded twice at Macron Stadium in three league matches.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons came within a goal of pulling off a dramatic comeback at Sixfields.
Robinson’s men suffered the worst possible start, finding themselves 3-0 down after 30 minutes courtesy of goals from Harry Beautyman, Alex Revell and Matt Taylor.
They responded before the break through a Dean Bowditch header but Samir Carruthers’ second-half volley came too late in the game to allow the Dons a chance to find an equaliser.
Bolton were frustrated by Southend United, who walked away from the Macron Stadium with a point after a 1-1 draw.
Harry Kyprianou scored early for the Shrimpers, who were able to hold on until half-time despite chances from Gary Madine, Keshi Anderson and Jay Spearing.
Moments after the re-start, though, Anderson bundled in an equaliser for Bolton, although they weren’t able to add to their tally despite consistent pressure on the Southend goal.
FIGHTING TALK
Karl Robinson: “Phil (Parkinson) is one of the most experienced managers and one of the best managers in the league. You know, every one of his players will understand their roles and responsibility.
“They have some of the best players in the league and they have players who have the freedom to rotate within the system, which causes problems.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game – we know that – but, that being said, I don’t think there are easy games anywhere, especially at this stage of the season.”
It was the first time this season that the Dons had conceded on the road this season, having kept clean sheets in their first two away fixtures at Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale.
The men from MK1 won both of those matches 1-0 and there’s no doubt Robinson and his side would take a similar result in Greater Manchester this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Bolton have bounced back from the disappointment of relegation in 2015/16 by winning four of their first six league matches this season – form which has seen Phil Parkinson named Manager of the Month.
The Trotters occupy top spot in the League One table and are one of two teams who remain unbeaten in the league in the first four weeks of the season.
They’ve not exactly been high scorers, having netted nine times but their total number of goals conceded (five) is tied for the second-fewest in the division – they’ve only conceded twice at Macron Stadium in three league matches.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons came within a goal of pulling off a dramatic comeback at Sixfields.
Robinson’s men suffered the worst possible start, finding themselves 3-0 down after 30 minutes courtesy of goals from Harry Beautyman, Alex Revell and Matt Taylor.
They responded before the break through a Dean Bowditch header but Samir Carruthers’ second-half volley came too late in the game to allow the Dons a chance to find an equaliser.
Bolton were frustrated by Southend United, who walked away from the Macron Stadium with a point after a 1-1 draw.
Harry Kyprianou scored early for the Shrimpers, who were able to hold on until half-time despite chances from Gary Madine, Keshi Anderson and Jay Spearing.
Moments after the re-start, though, Anderson bundled in an equaliser for Bolton, although they weren’t able to add to their tally despite consistent pressure on the Southend goal.
FIGHTING TALK
Karl Robinson: “Phil (Parkinson) is one of the most experienced managers and one of the best managers in the league. You know, every one of his players will understand their roles and responsibility.
“They have some of the best players in the league and they have players who have the freedom to rotate within the system, which causes problems.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game – we know that – but, that being said, I don’t think there are easy games anywhere, especially at this stage of the season.”
Last Dons win: 1-0, 18 Aug 2015 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at Macron Stadium: 0
Dons wins: 1
HEAD TO HEAD
His assistant referees will be Tony Peart and Paul Hodgkinson, while the fourth official is Anthony Moore.
Bankes has refereed five matches so far this campaign and shown 17 yellow cards. He has sent off three players, including two in the match between Brentford and Sheffield Wednesday just under a fortnight ago.
Peter Bankes will be the man in the middle, having refereed the Dons for the first time just last season.
OFFICIALS
Today's fixture is expected to come too soon for midfielder Zach Clough and striker Max Clayton, while Mark Davies (knee) is out for the season.
Bolton will be without striker Gary Madine (groin) so could turn to either John Proctor or Sammy Ameobi – the former is the more likely replacement.
Chuks Aneke (knee) is still a few weeks away from a return while Scott Wootton underwent knee surgery on Wednesday and is out long-term.
The Dons have no new injury concerns ahead of the clash in Greater Manchester, after Kieran Agard (thigh) made it through his comeback last weekend.
TEAM NEWS
“They've got some dangerous players but so have we. We'll make sure we're aware of their strengths, but also their weaknesses.”
Phil Parkinson: “MK Dons will have been disappointed not to stay up last year. They've been strong at this level for a number of years.
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.
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
Scunthorpe United v Southend United, KO 3pm
Peterborough United v Port Vale, KO 3pm
Oxford United v Swindon Town, KO 3pm
Oldham Athletic v Chesterfield, KO 3pm
Northampton Town v Walsall, KO 3pm
Millwall v Coventry City, KO 3pm
Gillingham v Bradford City, KO 3pm
Fleetwood Town v Charlton Athletic, KO 3pm
Bury v Shrewsbury Town, KO 3pm
Bristol Rovers v Rochdale, KO 3pm
AFC Wimbledon v Sheffield United, KO 3pm
Today
ELSEWHERE IN SKY BET LEAGUE ONE
for more betting options for today's Sky Bet League One fixture - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
James Henry: 8/1
Nicky Maynard: 15/2
Dean Bowditch: 15/2
Kieran Agard: 6/1
Keshi Anderson: 11/2
Jamie Procter: 5/1
First goalscorer
Dons win: 12/5
Draw: 5/2
Bolton win: 11/10
Result
SKY BET ODDS
Last draw: N/A
Draws at Macron Stadium: N/A
Draws: 0
Last Bolton win: 3-1, 23 Jan 2016 (Macron Stadium)
Bolton wins at Macron Stadium: 1
Bolton wins: 1 A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
! Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, TwitterWhat's more, there will be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
Tickets for today's clash at Bolton can be bought, cash only, at the Macron Stadium - tickets are priced at £23 adults, £16 seniors/under-23s and £9 under-18s, while under-18s can attend for just £7.
