MK Dons will be looking to return to winning ways as they travel to promotion hopefuls Wigan Athletic this afternoon.
The Dons suffered their first defeat in four games five games last time out as they were defeated 2-1 by table toppers Blackburn Rovers at Stadium MK.
The men from MK1 put in a spirited second-half performance and were unfortunate to come away from the clash without a point. Micciche showed his tactical nous as he switched formation at the break, enabling his side to overload Rovers' defence numerous times.
The Dons can head to the North West with a spring in their step after taking Tony Mowbray's side to the final whistle as they look for a much-needed three points against Wigan Athletic.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Heading into this Saturday's crucial clash, Wigan Athletic currently occupy third place in the Sky Bet League One Table. It seems their battle for automatic promotion with Blackburn Rovers and Shrewsbury Town will go right down to the wire as all three teams are separated by just two points.
Wigan fell to their first defeat in eight games on Monday evening as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Portsmouth. Paul Cook's side have tasted defeat just five times this season and will be hoping to secure a return to the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking.
Will Grigg will need to introduction to Dons' fans, the Northern Irish forward enjoyed a season on loan at Stadium MK, in which he scored 22 goals in 52 games. This year, he's found the back of the net 20 times in all competitions. Elsewhere for Wigan, Nick Powell has proven to be a danger with the former Manchester United man scoring 14 goals.
Despite a spirited second-half rally, MK Dons were beaten for the first time in five games courtesy of a 2-1 reverse at home to title-chasing Blackburn Rovers.
Dan Micciche's side trailed at the break courtesy of an Adam Armstrong brace but they pulled a goal back with 18 minutes to play through Peter Pawlett.
Pawlett, Ethan Ebanks-Landell and Chuks Aneke all went close in the final quarter of an hour, while the Dons also had two strong penalty appeals waved away, but they weren't able to beat Raya and, as a result, slipped back into bottom four on goal difference.
Wigan Athletic fell to their first defeat in eight Sky Bet League One matches as goals either side of half-time from Brett Pitman and Jamal Lowe earned Portsmouth a 2-1 win at Fratton Park.
Substitute Will Grigg got a late goal back for Latics but it wasn't to be enough despite a spirited fightback which saw Pompey goalkeeper Luke McGee make two incredible saves to deny Nick Powell and Grigg.
The Dons can welcome back Elliott Ward to the fold. The defender missed last Monday's clash with Blackburn due to terms of his loan deal.
Micciche confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Josh Tymon and Marcus Tavernier returned to Stadium MK after undergoing rehab with their respective parent clubs, however, Saturday's clash will come too soon for the pair.
Osman Sow, Joe Walsh and Alex Gilbey remain sidelined.
Wigan manager Paul Cook has a fully-fit squad to chose from with Shaun MacDonald and Jordan Flores the only absentees.
Sebastian Stockbridge will oversee Saturday's clash with Wigan, it'll be the second time the Tyne official has officiated the Dons this season – his last their 1-0 defeat to Blackpool in August.
Mr Stockbridge has overseen 36 games this season issuing 120 yellow cards and six reds.
His assistant referees this afternoon are Darren Strain and Paul Thompson while the fourth official is Scott Oldham.
Dons wins: 0
Draws: 1
Draws at DW Stadium: 1
Last draw: 3-3, 04 Jan 2013 (DW Stadium)
Wigan wins: 2
Wigan wins at DW Stadium: 0
Last Wigan win: 1-0, 05 Aug 2017 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Wigan win: 3-1 (AET), 14 Jan 2014 (Stadium MK)
Result
Dons win: 17/2
Draw: 18/5
Wigan win: 4/11
First goalscorer
Chuks Aneke: 9/1
Kieran Agard: 10/1
Robbie Muirhead: 12/1
Peter Pawlett: 14/1
Scorecast
Chuks Aneke to score first and the game to finish 1-1: 66/1
Tip
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals in match: 7/4
*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!
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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 Wigan Athletic can be bought at the DW Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Tickets are priced at £20 adults, £10 seniors, £8 under-18s and £5 under-11s while tickets for under-5s are just £2.
Sales on the turnstiles will be cash only but card payments will be accepted at the West Stand Ticket Office.
