mkdons.com previews today's Sky Bet League One fixture against Northampton Town at Sixfields.
It was a frustrating afternoon last weekend as Robbie Neilson's side could only take a point from their clash with AFC Wimbledon.
Having overcome Sky Bet Championship opposition the week prior in the Emirates FA Cup, Neilson will be hoping to return to winning ways away at Northampton Town this afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Northampton Town started the season with Justin Edinburgh at the helm, however, after four consecutive defeats at the start of the season he was relieved of his duties and replaced with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Fortunes changed for the Cobblers almost immediately as the former Chelsea striker won his first two games in charge.
Now occupying 21st position in the Sky Bet League One table, Hasselbaink will be looking to change the fortunes of his side come the end of the season as he looks to steer Northampton clear of relegation.
Hasselbaink has moved quickly in January with the likes of Shay Facey, Hilderberto Pereira, Joe Bunney and Jordan Turnbull. The new faces join an experienced squad containing the likes of David Buchanan, Matt Grimes and Ash Taylor. Elsewhere, Northampton also have a few players that'll be familiar to MK Dons fans including Daniel Powell, Dean Bowditch and Chris Long.
MK Dons played out a goalless draw with AFC Wimbledon at Stadium MK last weekend. Both teams had chances to claim all three points but neither were able to break the deadlock - Conor McGrandles and Robbie Muirhead had the Dons’ best chances while AFC Wimbledon went close through Andy Barcham late on.
A goal in each half for Northampton from John-Joe O'Toole and Chris Long set the Cobblers on the way to victory away at Bradford City. There were some nerves as the game approached its conclusion after Paul Taylor found the back of the net during injury time, however, Hasselbaink's side held on for all three points.
Robbie Neilson: "There’s pressure on everybody because we’ve got to win football matches. Of course, I’m the focal point. We’re going up against a team [on Saturday] who are with us in the league so it’s a hugely important game."
The Dons can now welcome back Osman Sow from suspension and will also be looking to reintroduce Aidan Nesbitt to the squad - the winger has missed a number of games due to an ankle injury.
Ike Ugbo is also available after missing last weekend's draw with AFC Wimbledon while Marcus Tavernier could make his debut.
Brett Huxtable will be the man in the middle this afternoon – the second time he's overseen the Dons this season.
The Devon-born official last took charge of the men from MK1 during their 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town earlier in the season - that day he issued four yellow cards.
In total this season, Mr Huxtable has issued 89yellow cards and six reds - five of which have come in his last five games.
His assistant referees are Kevin Morris and Paul Yates while the fourth official is Christopher Pollard.
Dons wins: 7
Dons wins at Sixfields: 2
Last Dons win: 5-3, 21 Jan 2017 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 3-0, 19 Jan, 2016 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 2
Last draw: 0-0, 26 Sep 2017 (Stadium MK)
Northampton wins: 2
Northampton wins at Sixfields: 2
Last Northampton win: 3-2, 4 Sep 2016 (Sixfields)
Biggest Northampton win: 3-2, 4 Sep 2016 (Sixfields)
Result
Northampton – 6/4
Draw – 9/4
MK Dons – 9/5
First goalscorer
Chuks Aneke – 11/2
Kieran Agard – 11/2
Osman Sow – 6/1
No goalscorer – 17/2
Chris Long – 5/1
John O'Toole – 7/1
Matt Grimes – 10/1
Scorecast
Keiran Agard to score first and MK Dons to win 2-1 – 35/1
Sky Bet tip
MK Dons to win and Both teams to Score – 9/2
*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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A limited number of tickets for today's clash with Northampton Town can be bought at Sixfields Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Tickets are priced at £24 adults, £20 seniors/under-21s, £11 under-18s and £2 under-7s.
