Milton Keynes Dons

Karl Robinson’s men have won both of their first two away Sky Bet League One fixtures this season – in all competitions they’ve won three of four, with the only defeat coming on penalties away at Championship outfit Reading in the EFL Cup.

In those two away league successes against Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale, the Dons didn’t concede a goal, winning both matches by a one-goal margin – on both occasions the winning finish came in the second half.

Robinson will be hoping his side can continue that solid form and take their points total into double-figures.

Kick-off is at 12noon.

THE OPPOSITION
Northampton have made an unbeaten start to life back in the third tier, after returning to League One as champions last season.

Rob Page’s side have drawn all five of their opening league fixtures, with their most impressive point coming away at Charlton Athletic back in mid-August.

Strike Alex Revell, who spent the final three months of the 2015/16 campaign with the Dons, is currently the Cobblers’ leading scorer with two goals to his name. John-Joe O’Toole, Zander Diamond and Harry Beautyman have also contributed in front of the net.

LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons picked up points in their opening Checkatrade Trophy tie against Barnet at Stadium MK.

Karl Robinson’s men played out a 2-2 draw with the Bees but walked away with two points after defeating the London outfit on penalties.

Ben Reeves opened the scoring with a superb strike on 17 minutes but Alex Nicholls and Curtis Weston turned things around with goals in the second half.

Joe Walsh headed in an equaliser eight minutes from time to take the match to penalties, where the Dons triumphed 5-3 – Brandon Thomas-Asante bagging the crucial spot-kick.

Garry Thompson then secured victory for Wycombe in stoppage-time, finishing off a counter attack following a through ball by 43-year-old manager Gareth Ainsworth, who had brought himself on as a late substitute.

Danny Rowe gave the visitors from Buckinghamshire a first-half lead before Paul Hayes doubled the advantage after the interval.

Northampton fell to their first defeat of the 2016/17 season at home to League Two outfit Wycombe Wanderers in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“We’re really looking forward to it.”

“They have their strengths and they are honest about their play. Alex Revell, in particular, is as honest a footballer as you’re ever going to get – they have those characters in their group.

Karl Robinson: “They’ve had five league games and they’ve got five draws – I’ve seen them, they are that close to being a very good team.
FIGHTING TALK

“They’ve had an okay start to the season and I’m sure they will come here looking for the win but so will we. We’ve had an okay start as well but we want that first league win and hopefully it will come on Sunday.”

Rob Page: “It’s a great game and a fantastic fixture for us. We are looking for an improvement and a response from Tuesday and it should be an entertaining game.

Last Dons win: 3-0, 19 Jan 2016 (Emirates FA Cup)
Dons wins at Sixfields: 2
Dons wins: 5
HEAD TO HEAD

His assistant referees are Simon Knapp and Anthony Da Costa while the fourth official is Gavin Ward.

Webb, who sent off Samir Carruthers when he last took charge of the Dons back in September last year, has only shown 14 yellow and one red card in his eight games so far this season.

David Webb is the man tasked with referring Sunday’s local derby.
OFFICIALS

However, influential midfielder John-Joe O’Toole is suspended and defender Gabriel Zakuani is on international duty with DR Congo.

Northampton have Marc Richards, Alfie Potter and Sam Hoskins back available after their recent injury lay-offs, while Deadline Day recruit Paul Anderson could make his debut.

Chuks Aneke (knee) is the Dons’ only other injury absentee along with Wootton. George C Williams is away on international duty with Wales.

Jack Hendry was brought in to replace Wootton on Deadline Day and should be included in the matchday squad this Sunday, while fellow new signing Ryan Colclough may also be involved early on his loan spell.

That positive news balances out the disappointment of losing Scott Wootton to serious knee injury, one which will rule the defender out of action for nine months.

Kieran Agard (thigh) could make a welcome comeback for MK Dons after returning to training late this week.
TEAM NEWS

Last Northampton win: 1-0, 4 Sep 2012 (Checkatrade Trophy)
Northampton wins at Sixfields: 1
Northampton wins: 1

Last draw: 2-2, 9 Jan 2016 (Emirates FA Cup)
Draws at Sixfields: 0
Draws: 1

Fans can also

Sunday’s clash will be shown live on Sky Sports 1, with coverage starting at 11.30am.
MATCH COVERAGE
 
Gillingham v Sheffield United, KO 2.15pm
Sunday

Oxford United v Rochdale, KO 3pm
Oldham Athletic v Shrewsbury Town, KO 3pm
Millwall v Bradford City, KO 3pm
Fleetwood Town v Coventry City, KO 3pm
Bury v Port Vale, KO 3pm
Bolton Wanderers v Southend United, KO 3pm
AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield, KO 3pm
Peterborough United v Swindon Town, KO 12.15pm
Saturday
ELSEWHERE IN SKY BET LEAGUE ONE

for more betting options for Sunday’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

Daniel Powell: 15/2
JJ Hooper: 13/2
Dean Bowditch: 6/1
Nicky Maynard: 6/1
Alex Revell: 11/2
Marc Richards: 11/2
First goalscorer:

Dons win: 21/10
Draw: 23/10
Northampton win: 13/10
SKY BET ODDS A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.

! Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, Twitter There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –

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 10am on Sunday.

to sign up for as little as £4.49 a month! heretune in to MK Dons PlayerHD from 11.55am for live commentary – click