MK Dons continue their Emirates FA Cup journey this afternoon when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Robbie Neilson’s side kicked off the New Year with a goalless draw at Chesterfield on Monday and, despite having the odds stacked against them against the Sky Bet Championship leaders, they’ll be looking to secure that first success of 2017 in Sussex today.
The Dons have avoided defeat in four of the six matches since Neilson’s appointment, keeping two clean sheets and scoring seven goals.
In the Emirates FA Cup this campaign, the men from MK1 have found the net six times in three games. A victory in this one would see them progress through to the Fourth Round of the competition for the third time in the Club’s history.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
In the Dons’ way of a place in the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup are Brighton, who are one of the most in-form sides in the country having been victorious in 12 of their last 16 matches.
The Seagulls boast a two-point lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship and look on course to return to the top level of English football for the first time since 1983.
They’ve conceded just 15 times in their 24 league fixtures and scored two or more goals in eight or their last 10 outings.
Regardless of the side they field they’ll no doubt provide tough opponents for Neilson’s Dons, especially on their own patch where they’ve won each of their last five games.
Despite a dominant second-half performance at the Proact Stadium, the Dons were unable to make a winning start to the New Year, instead they were held to a goalless draw by Chesterfield.
Ben Reeves cleared off the line from Ian Evatt in the first half before Nicky Maynard saw his overhead kick denied brilliantly by Spireites keeper Ryan Fulton in the 71st minute.
Joe Walsh then headed over the bar before Fulton saved from Daniel Powell late on to keep the scores goalless.
The Dons have avoided defeat in four of the six matches since Neilson’s appointment, keeping two clean sheets and scoring seven goals.
In the Emirates FA Cup this campaign, the men from MK1 have found the net six times in three games. A victory in this one would see them progress through to the Fourth Round of the competition for the third time in the Club’s history.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
In the Dons’ way of a place in the Fourth Round of the Emirates FA Cup are Brighton, who are one of the most in-form sides in the country having been victorious in 12 of their last 16 matches.
The Seagulls boast a two-point lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship and look on course to return to the top level of English football for the first time since 1983.
They’ve conceded just 15 times in their 24 league fixtures and scored two or more goals in eight or their last 10 outings.
Regardless of the side they field they’ll no doubt provide tough opponents for Neilson’s Dons, especially on their own patch where they’ve won each of their last five games.
Despite a dominant second-half performance at the Proact Stadium, the Dons were unable to make a winning start to the New Year, instead they were held to a goalless draw by Chesterfield.
Ben Reeves cleared off the line from Ian Evatt in the first half before Nicky Maynard saw his overhead kick denied brilliantly by Spireites keeper Ryan Fulton in the 71st minute.
Joe Walsh then headed over the bar before Fulton saved from Daniel Powell late on to keep the scores goalless.
Tomer Hemed then brought Brighton level from the penalty spot on 74 minutes before Lewis Dunk fired home a loose ball to win the game just 60 seconds later.
Their opponents had a 15th minute penalty saved by David Stockdale but still took the lead when Lucas Piazon curled into the top corner shortly after the break.
Brighton came from behind to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage in the first game of 2017.
Robbie Neilson: “We would like a cup run and this is an opportunity to try and progress. They have a strong squad – we looked at the weakest side they could put out and they’ve still got a few internationals in there so whoever comes in, it will be a tough game for us.”
Last Dons win: 1-0, 26 Feb 2011 (Stadium MK)
Dons wins at The Amex: 0
Dons wins: 4
Linington’s assistants are Darren Blunden and Nigel Lugg while the fourth official is Brendan Malone.
The Welsh official has produced 89 yellow cards in 18 games this season. He’s only shown one red card and that was way back in September.
James Linington will take charge of today's tie – the first time he’s refereed the Dons since October 2015.
Central midfielder Beram Kaya will play but defenders Liam Rosenior and Seb Pocognoli aren’t expected to be involved due to injuries.
With Brighton sitting pretty at the top of the Sky Bet Championship, Chris Hughton is set to make changes.
One of those set to start is George Baldock, who is back after two weeks sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, Dean Bowditch (calf) remains out alongside long-term absentee Scott Wootton.
Robbie Neilson confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he’ll name the strongest team possible this afternoon.
Chris Hughton: “It will be a tough challenge. They’re a good side and one that has been used to being in this division. MK Dons are playing against a team one league higher up than they are, so they will raise their game.”
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Anthony Knockaert: 5/1
Tomer Hemed: 9/2
Sam Baldock: 9/2
Glenn Murray: 3/1
No goalscorer: 14/1
Chuks Aneke: 16/1
Ben Reeves: 14/1
Nicky Maynard: 10/1
Kieran Agard: 15/2
First goalscorer
Brighton: 2/9
Dons: 3/1
To qualify
Brighton win: 4/9
Draw: 18/5
Dons win: 11/2
Full-Time result
Last Brighton win: 2-1, 19 Mar 2016 (Stadium MK)
Brighton wins at The Amex: 1
Brighton wins: 4
Last draw: 0-0, 1 May 2010 (Stadium MK)
Draws at The Amex: 0
Draws: 1 hereClick
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