MK Dons will be looking to return to winning ways when they welcome Doncaster Rovers to Stadium MK this afternoon.
The Dons suffered their second consecutive defeat last weekend as promotion hopefuls Wigan Athletic ran out 5-1 winners at the DW Stadium.
After Will Grigg opened the scoring, Ethan Ebanks-Landell headed beyond Lee Nicholls and into his own net to extend the home sides lead. Dan Micciche's men reduced the deficit through Callum Brittain and had a number of chances to equalise as they looked for a way back into the clash.
Ultimately, Wigan punished the Dons' poor finishing as Nick Powell found the back of the net, while Grigg added a further two in the second-half to complete his hat-trick. With Doncaster next up this Saturday, Micciche will be more than eager to bounce back with three points.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Having been relegated from Sky Bet League One in the 2015/16 season, Doncaster Rovers returned to the division at the first time of asking via automatic promotion from Sky Bet League Two. Darren Ferguson maintained an experienced side as Rovers finished third – two points behind eventual Champions Portsmouth.
This summer, Ferguson re-signed midfielder Jordan Houghton from Chelsea and Niall Mason from Aston Villa. Elsewhere, Danny Andrew and Alex Kiwomya were also recruited. Loanees Rodney Kongolo, Tom Anderson and Andy Boyle also penned deals until the end of the season.
Having all but secured their safety this season, Ferguson will be looking to end the season on a high and build for a promotion push next season.
Title-chasing Wigan Athletic scored three second-half goals to inflict a 5-1 defeat on MK Dons at the DW Stadium.
The Dons were in with a chance at the break after Callum Brittain's strike reduced the deficit following Will Grigg's early tap in and Ethan Ebanks-Landell's own goal.
However, Powell headed past Nicholls 10 minutes into the second period before former Dons striker Grigg completed a hat-trick with two quick-fire goals, condemning Dan Micciche's men to a heavy loss in Greater Manchester.
The defeat, and results elsewhere in Sky Bet League One, ensures the Dons remain inside the bottom four, one point adrift of safety.
Doncaster travelled Gillingham last Saturday and were held to a 0-0 draw by their Kent counterparts.
Conor Wilkinson had the best chance of the game, fortunately for Doncaster he couldn't convert as the sides shared the spoils at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Midfielder Tommy Rowe threatened for Ferguson's side, most notably when he dragged low, right-footed effort inches past the post shortly after the break. Alfie Beestin also went close for Rovers.
Dan Micciche confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Josh Tymon and Marcus Tavernier have both returned to full training and are in contention for today's clash. Micciche also confirmed that Lee Nicholls has picked up an injury - he will be monitored ahead of kick-off while Osman Sow will miss the Sky Bet League One fixture.
Doncaster have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this match, though both Tom Anderson and Danny Andrew remain out.
Nicholas Kinseley will oversee this afternoon's clash with Doncaster, it'll be the second time the Essex official has officiated the Dons this season – he last took charge of the Dons during their 0-0 draw with Stevenage in the Checkatrade Trophy.
Mr Stockbridge has overseen 27 games this season issuing 111 yellow cards and six reds.
His assistant referees are Marc Wilson and Gregory Read while the fourth official is Michael Webb.
Dons wins: 2
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 2
Last Dons win: 3-0, 21 Apr 2015, (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 3-0, 21 Apr 2015, (Stadium MK)
Draws: 3
Draws at Stadium MK: 0
Last draw: 0-0, 25 Oct 2014 (Keepmoat Stadium)
Doncaster wins: 4
Doncaster wins at Stadium MK: 0
Last Doncaster win: 2-1, 25 Nov 2017 (Keepmoat Stadium)
Biggest Doncaster win: 3-0, 26 Dec 2004 (Belle Vue Stadium)
Result
Dons win: 7/4
Draw: 21/10
Doncaster win: 17/10
First goalscorer
Chuks Aneke: 5/1
Kieran Agard: 11/2
Ike Ugbo: 13/2
Peter Pawlett: 8/1
Scorecast
Peter Pawlett to score first and MK Dons to win 2-1: 50/1
Tip
Both Teams To Score and Under 3.5 Goals in the match: 2/1
*All odds correct at the time of writing
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Supporters living outside the UK can watch the match LIVE with an iFollow MK Dons Season/Monthly Pass or by purchasing a Match Pass – click HERE for more information!
iFollow MK Dons will have also live commentary of the game for UK-based fans – click HERE to sign up for as little as £4.49 for a month.
Supporters can also stay in touch with the Dons via mkdons.com’s Match Centre, which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 1pm.
There will also be full coverage on the Club’s social media channels – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat!
A full match report will be available to view on mkdons.com straight after the final whistle.
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Tickets for today's clash with Doncaster Rovers are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s* and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons Membership*.
Supporters can upgrade to East Centre for a £5 premium while a seat in clubRed is available for £10 more.
Club Dons members are entitled to a £2 discount on tickets, while Young Dons can save £1 on the matchday ticket price. Adult Season Ticket holders may purchase an additional adult, senior or under-18 ticket at the members’ rate. Season Ticket holders cannot purchase an under-21 or under-12 members ticket.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/centre:mk kiosk or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
