MK Dons make the long journey north to face Fleetwood Town today, where they’ll be looking to build on two positive recent results.
Karl Robinson’s side held Sky Bet League One promotion-hopefuls Bolton Wanderers to a 1-1 draw at the Macron Stadium before earning a share of the spoils against in-form Oxford United last weekend at home.
The men from MK1 have been strong away from home this season, winning two and drawing one of their four road fixtures so far. They’ve yet to concede a second-half goal on the road this campaign, while all-but one of their five away league goals have been scored after the interval.
They’ll be hoping that form continues this afternoon with a victory, which would be their first in five league matches.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Fleetwood have adapted well to life under Uwe Rosler, and the Cod Army currently sit seventh in the League One table after the first eight games.
The Lancashire outfit have lost just twice all season – both of those defeats coming away from home. At Highbury Stadium, they’ve won two and drawn two, while scoring eight goals and conceding just four times.
Striker David Ball leads the way in the scoring charts with four to his name, with fellow frontman – and former Dons loanee – Chris Long right behind him on three. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chris Neal has kept four clean-sheets in 10 appearances this season.
The Dons played out their second successive draw, earning a share of the spoils against Oxford United at Stadium MK.
David Martin brilliantly denied U’s striker Wes Thomas early on with a brave stop before Kieran Agard had a shot cleared off the line by Cheyenne Dunkley.
Agard went close again late on with a one-on-one shot which was saved by Simon Eastwood but the best chance of the match fell to George C Williams in stoppage-time, however he failed to hit the target with a close-range diving header.
The men from MK1 have been strong away from home this season, winning two and drawing one of their four road fixtures so far. They’ve yet to concede a second-half goal on the road this campaign, while all-but one of their five away league goals have been scored after the interval.
They’ll be hoping that form continues this afternoon with a victory, which would be their first in five league matches.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Fleetwood have adapted well to life under Uwe Rosler, and the Cod Army currently sit seventh in the League One table after the first eight games.
The Lancashire outfit have lost just twice all season – both of those defeats coming away from home. At Highbury Stadium, they’ve won two and drawn two, while scoring eight goals and conceding just four times.
Striker David Ball leads the way in the scoring charts with four to his name, with fellow frontman – and former Dons loanee – Chris Long right behind him on three. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Chris Neal has kept four clean-sheets in 10 appearances this season.
The Dons played out their second successive draw, earning a share of the spoils against Oxford United at Stadium MK.
David Martin brilliantly denied U’s striker Wes Thomas early on with a brave stop before Kieran Agard had a shot cleared off the line by Cheyenne Dunkley.
Agard went close again late on with a one-on-one shot which was saved by Simon Eastwood but the best chance of the match fell to George C Williams in stoppage-time, however he failed to hit the target with a close-range diving header.
Grant grabbed an equaliser 13 minutes later, converting a penalty following a foul on Chris Long in the box but it was Dale who snatched all three points in the final stages through Steven Davies’ header.
The Cod Army went behind after just 10 minutes when Matty Lund headed in a cross from Donal McDermott, after climbing above Bobby Grant inside the six-yard box.
Fleetwood fell to only their second defeat of the season last Saturday, losing 2-1 away at Rochdale.
“(Uwe Rosler) is one of the nicest people in football and he’s someone who I’d class as a friend. I respect him immensely.”
“Their front three are talented and quick. The three in midfield who sit behind them are very hard to play against – they are disciplined. The back four is also strong and structured.
Karl Robinson: “There aren’t too many more difficult tasks than going up against an Uwe Rosler team – they will be very well drilled. Fleetwood is also a very hard place to go.
Last Dons win: 3-0, 14 Apr 2015 (Highbury Stadium)
Dons wins at Highbury Stadium: 1
Dons wins: 2
His assistant referees are Billy Khatib and Gary Hilton, while the fourth official is Natalie Aspniall.
Jones, in his first season as an EFL official, has taken charge of eight matches so far this campaign and shown 29 yellow cards. He has yet to produce a red card, however.
Robert Jones will referee the Dons for the very first time today.
Eggert Jonsson, who impressed as a half-time substitute last weekend, is pushing for a start, while Conor McLaughlin's place at right-back is under threat from Michael Duckworth who replaced him at the break at Rochdale.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, aren’t expected to risk midfielder Jimmy Ryan, who is still not fully fit.
On a positive note, two Dons players are set to reach milestones this afternoon with David Martin in line to make his 300th career league appearance and Darren Potter expected to play his 200th league match for the Club.
Chuks Aneke (knee) continues to edge closer to a return to training while Scott Wootton is underway in his rehab from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Daniel Powell was added to the Dons’ injury list last week with a thigh problem that kept him out of the goalless draw with Oxford United. He will be monitored ahead of today's game.
“I have a lot of respect for the way he plays and his consistency in his style. I appreciate his work and I appreciate him as a person.”
Uwe Rosler: “I know Karl well, he’s a good friend of mine – we have mutual respect for each other.
Last draw: N/A
Draws at Highbury Stadium: N/A
Draws: 0
Last Fleetwood win: N/A
Fleetwood wins at Highbury Stadium: N/A
Fleetwood wins: 0
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
Ben Reeves: 17/2
Devante Cole: 13/2
Dean Bowditch: 13/2
Chris Long: 5/1
Kieran Agard: 5/1
David Ball: 9/2
First goalscorer
Dons win: 6/4
Draw: 23/10
Fleetwood win: 9/5
Result
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.
to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! hereTune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 2.55pm for live commentary – click !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 the clash at Fleetwood can be bought at Highbury Stadium today - tickets are priced from £21.50 adults, £16.50 seniors, £10 students/under-18s, £5 under-16s, while under-5s go FREE.
