mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday's Sky Bet League Two clash with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.
League Opener
After what feels like a lifetime, domestic football finally returns this weekend and MK Dons start their campaign with a trip to Oldham Athletic.
The last time the Dons won their first game of the season came in 2016, as Daniel Powell's 73rd-minute strike was enough to see off Shrewsbury Town at New Meadow.
In 2015, the men from MK1 ran out 4-1 winners away to Rotherham United while the year prior to that, the Dons started the campaign with a 4-2 win over Gillingham.
These two sides have met on the opening day before, back in 2012, when Oldham visited Stadium MK for the season curtain raiser – it was the Dons who were 2-0 winners that afternoon.
In fact, the Dons have lost just one of their last nine opening day clashes – that came last season when Wigan Athletic were 1-0 winners at Stadium MK.
Paul Tisdale's first game
This Saturday will see Paul Tisdale take charge of MK Dons in a competitive game for the first time. The 45-year-old departed Exeter City this Summer after 12 years with the Grecians and arrived at Stadium MK in June.
In the opposite dugout, Frankie Bunn will also be taking charge of his first competitive match as Oldham Athletic manager. He replaced Richie Wellens at the helm after the former Latics defender was dismissed after the Club's relegation to Sky Bet League Two.
New Faces
There could be a number of MK Dons debuts this Saturday after a number of fresh faces pledged their future to the Club this summer.
In defence, we could see the likes of Jordan Moore-Taylor, Mitch Hancox and Mathieu Baudry make their first appearance after the trio joined from Exeter City, Macclesfield Town and Doncaster Rovers respectively this transfer window.
Midfielders Ryan Watson, Lawson D'Ath, Jordan Houghton and Ryan Harley will be hopeful of making an appearance with Robbie Simpson also in contention for his debut.
Former Latic
Saturday will see former Oldham Athletic striker Robbie Simpson return to his former hunting ground. The 33-year-old spent two-years with the Greater Manchester outfit between August 2011 and June 2013, making 80 appearances and scoring 13 goals – including a screamer against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup.
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Tickets are priced at £18 adults, £8 seniors, students and under-21s and £5 under-18s if bought in advance from MK Dons. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the game.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
