MK Dons travel to face Cheltenham Town this after looking to return to winning ways in Sky Bet League Two.
Paul Tisdale’s side fell to only their third league defeat of the campaign last weekend, losing 1-0 to fellow promotion-chasers Colchester United at Stadium MK. Despite the result, they remain second in the Sky Bet League Two table, four points clear in the automatic promotion-places.
The last time the Dons were beaten they responded by putting back-to-back victories together and Tisdale will be hoping his side can repeat that feat, at least, this time around.
Today is also the men from MK1’s first opportunity to record a league double over an opponent. Cheltenham Town, who they beat 3-0 at Stadium MK back in October, are the first side this term that they have faced for a second time.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Cheltenham Town have adapted well to life under Michael Duff and go into this afternoon’s game unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
The Robins, who sit 21st in the table and are three points clear of the relegation zone, have lost just one game in their last seven league outings - a run during which they held promotion-chasing Mansfield Town to a draw at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
That point was one of only nine they have picked up at home this season although Duff’s men have won their last two games on their own patch.
MK Dons were beaten for the first time at Stadium MK courtesy of a 1-0 reverse to third-placed Colchester United.
In a tight encounter, Luke Prosser’s 11th-minute finish proved to be the difference as the Dons were held to a blank for only the second time all campaign.
Kieran Agard, Ousseynou Cisse and Chuks Aneke had the best chances for Paul Tisdale’s men, who remain second in Sky Bet League Two.
Cheltenham Town maintained their unbeaten run with a goalless draw away at Swindon Town.
Swindon’s Matt Taylor almost broke the deadlock with a free-kick early in the second half while James Dunne also went close for Town.
Dunne was almost at fault for the winner late on as his sliced clearance headed towards his own goal before an excellent save from Lawrence Vigouroux kept it out and ensured a stalemate.
Paul Tisdale: “They’ve had a change of manager - they came here during that period earlier in the season.
I’ve played in Cheltenham so many times and it has a certain feel to it. I’ve always enjoyed playing there and they are always a competitive team at home. I know we’re going to get a competitive game.”
Paul Tisdale didn’t reveal any fresh injury concerns for MK Dons when he spoke to the media on Saturday after the clash with Colchester United.
The Dons welcomed back Chuks Aneke in that game against the U’s while Peter Pawlett and Osman Sow also got more minutes. Robbie Simpson returned to the squad following a knock which would have kept him out of the postponed fixture with Newport County.
Jordan Moore-Taylor, Joe Walsh, Callum Brittain, Mathieu Baudry and Ryan Harley were the only players who missed out due to injury. It remains to be seen if any will be fit to return today.
Cheltenham Town will assess Ryan Broom ahead of this afternoon's game after he missed the Robin’s last match with a hamstring injury.
Jacob Maddox remains out while Tom Field, Sean Long and Kevin Dawson are long-term absentees.
Dean Whitestone will take charge of today's clash.
The Northamptonshire official refereed the 1-0 victory over Cambridge United earlier this season while he has also marshalled Cheltenham this term.
So far in 2018/19, he has overseen 21 games and produced 64 yellow cards along with three red cards.
His assistant referees are Simon Shaw and Matthew Lee while the fourth official is Samuel Ogles.
Dons wins: 4
Dons wins at Jonny-Rocks Stadium: 2
Last Dons win: 3-0, 6 Oct 2018 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 4-1, 9 Aug 2011 (Jonny-Rocks Stadium)
Draws: 1
Draws at Jonny-Rocks Stadium: 1
Last draw: 1-1, 11 Aug 2012 (Jonny-Rocks Stadium)
Cheltenham wins: 0
Cheltenham wins at Jonny-Rocks Stadium: N/A
Last Cheltenham win: N/A
Biggest Cheltenham win: N/A
Dons win - 17/20
Draw - 23/10
Cheltenham win - 29/10
Tickets can be bought from at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium today. Tickets are priced at £21 adults, £15 seniors (over 65s) and £7 under-18s/students. Sales will be cash only.
iFollow MK Dons subscribers can listen to live commentary of this game – click HERE to sign up for as little as £4.49 for a month.
Supporters can also stay in touch with the action 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 along with full reaction from Paul Tisdale and a player. Highlights will be available to view from midnight.
