MK Dons will look to extend their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League One to six games when they face Oldham Athletic at Stadium MK on Tuesday evening
Robbie Neilson’s men haven’t tasted defeat since Boxing Day and currently sit third in the recent form table over the last six matches, having won three times and drawn twice since that loss.
Their 13 goals scored during the same span is greater than all-but two of the sides in the division – their plus-six goal difference is also tied for the best in Sky Bet League One over the last six games.
As well as a chance to maintain their recent form against a side whom they’ve beaten in seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides, Tuesday's fixture also carries greater importance as it is one of the games in hand that men from MK1 currently hold.
It gives them an opportunity to climb above AFC Wimbledon into 14th place and close the gap on the play-off places to eight points. It would also set up an intriguing clash with neighbours Oxford United this weekend.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm
Oldham, too, are in good form and they arrive in Milton Keynes, having won three of their last five matches since the appointment of John Sheridan.
The experienced manager, in his third spell with the Latics, has lifted the Greater Manchester outfit to within one point of safety in Sky Bet League One – they can climb above 20th-placed Swindon Town with a win at Stadium MK.
That said, only one of those three successes came away from SportsDirect.com Park with their 1-0 triumph at Chesterfield one of only two they have achieved this entire campaign.
Oldham have scored the second fewest amount of goals on their travels (nine) but they do boast one of the strongest defensive records – their 17 goals conceded away from home is better than all-but seven sides.
The Dons maintained their unbeaten league run with a 1-1 draw at home to third-placed Bolton Wanderers.
In front of a club-record league crowd of 21,545 at Stadium MK, Robbie Neilson’s fought back from a goal down to earn a point courtesy of Kieran Agard’s 11th finish of the season.
Bolton’s opener came direct from a free-kick in first-half stoppage-time – Jay Spearing finding the far corner of the net after his delivery went untouched through a crowded penalty area.
The Dons dominated the second half and deservedly drew level when Agard fired under Ben Alnwick following some persistent work from George Baldock down the right.
Their 13 goals scored during the same span is greater than all-but two of the sides in the division – their plus-six goal difference is also tied for the best in Sky Bet League One over the last six games.
As well as a chance to maintain their recent form against a side whom they’ve beaten in seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides, Tuesday's fixture also carries greater importance as it is one of the games in hand that men from MK1 currently hold.
It gives them an opportunity to climb above AFC Wimbledon into 14th place and close the gap on the play-off places to eight points. It would also set up an intriguing clash with neighbours Oxford United this weekend.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm
Oldham, too, are in good form and they arrive in Milton Keynes, having won three of their last five matches since the appointment of John Sheridan.
The experienced manager, in his third spell with the Latics, has lifted the Greater Manchester outfit to within one point of safety in Sky Bet League One – they can climb above 20th-placed Swindon Town with a win at Stadium MK.
That said, only one of those three successes came away from SportsDirect.com Park with their 1-0 triumph at Chesterfield one of only two they have achieved this entire campaign.
Oldham have scored the second fewest amount of goals on their travels (nine) but they do boast one of the strongest defensive records – their 17 goals conceded away from home is better than all-but seven sides.
The Dons maintained their unbeaten league run with a 1-1 draw at home to third-placed Bolton Wanderers.
In front of a club-record league crowd of 21,545 at Stadium MK, Robbie Neilson’s fought back from a goal down to earn a point courtesy of Kieran Agard’s 11th finish of the season.
Bolton’s opener came direct from a free-kick in first-half stoppage-time – Jay Spearing finding the far corner of the net after his delivery went untouched through a crowded penalty area.
The Dons dominated the second half and deservedly drew level when Agard fired under Ben Alnwick following some persistent work from George Baldock down the right.
But Oldham stunned Chesterfield in the first minute of stoppage-time when Clarke capped a superb display with a header inside Ryan Fulton's left post.
The Spireites struggled to break them down despite the extra man, and the visitors almost snatched a goal on the break when Aaron Amadi-Holloway nearly went clear.
The Latics played the second half a man down after defender Anthony Gerrard was dismissed for an incident in the tunnel at half-time.
A late header from skipper Peter Clarke gave 10-man Oldham a vital victory at relegation-rivals Chesterfield.
FIGHTING TALK
Robbie Neilson: “They got a great result on Saturday. They had a man sent off just after half-time but they really sat in, fought and got a 94th-minute winner – that kind of thing can turn a season for teams and they’ll certainly be coming to Stadium MK on a high. “
Biggest win: 7-0, 20 Dec 2014 (Stadium MK)
Last Dons win: 2-0, 1 Oct 2016 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 5
Dons wins: 10
Handley’s assistant referees are Matthew Lee and Ian Smedley while the fourth official is Lee Venamore.
The Lancashire official has shown 97 yellow cards in his 27 appointments this season, with six of those coming in the Dons’ 3-3 draw with Bristol Rovers back in October. He has only produced two red cards.
Darren Handley will take charge of the game at Stadium MK.
Aaron Amadi-Holloway is a doubt after limping off in that win over Chesterfield while Chris Kettings, Charles Dunne and Cameron Dunnigan are all out.
Oldham defender Anthony Gerrard is suspended for Tuesday’s game following his red card on Saturday.
Dean Lewington (ankle), Ben Reeves (groin) and Scott Wootton (knee) remain sidelined but Dean Bowditch (calf) is back to full fitness after a cameo off the bench last weekend.
Chuks Aneke will be monitored ahead of kick-off but boss Robbie Neilson expects the forward to be involved.
John Sheridan: “They are a good team and it will be a tough game. They have got some good players. If you let them play the way they want, they can give you a lot of problems but we go there in good spirit and have a go.”
Last draw: 0-0, 22 Feb 2011 (Stadium MK)
Draws at Stadium MK: 2
Draws: 3
Draws at Stadium MK: 2
Draws: 3
MK Dons PlayerHD will have live commentary of Tuesday's match –
for more betting options for the Sky Bet League One clash – don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Tope Obadeyi: 17/2
Michael Ngoo: 17/2
Aaron Amadi-Holloway: 8/1
Lee Erwin: 15/2
No goalscorer: 8/1
Chuks Aneke: 15/2
Harvey Barnes: 13/2
Nicky Maynard: 11/2
Kieran Agard: 7/2
First goalscorer
Oldham win: 100/30
Draw: 5/2
Dons win: 4/5
Result
Biggest win: 3-0, 28 Aug 2004 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Last Oldham win: 3-1, 9 Feb 2013 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Oldham wins at Stadium MK: 0
Oldham wins: 6 There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
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! hereclick !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
for more betting options for the Sky Bet League One clash – don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet! here Click
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Tope Obadeyi: 17/2
Michael Ngoo: 17/2
Aaron Amadi-Holloway: 8/1
Lee Erwin: 15/2
No goalscorer: 8/1
Chuks Aneke: 15/2
Harvey Barnes: 13/2
Nicky Maynard: 11/2
Kieran Agard: 7/2
First goalscorer
Oldham win: 100/30
Draw: 5/2
Dons win: 4/5
Result
Biggest win: 3-0, 28 Aug 2004 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Last Oldham win: 3-1, 9 Feb 2013 (SportsDirect.com Park)
Oldham wins at Stadium MK: 0
Oldham wins: 6 There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels –
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! hereclick !Snapchat and Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
