mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday’s clash at Sixfields.
Returning Faces
Heading into this Saturday’s clash with Northampton Town, Robbie Neilson will have both Osman Sow and Ike Ugbo available for selection once again. Sow, who has been suspended since the 1-0 win over Peterborough, will be looking to feature in his first game of 2018.
As Neilson confirmed in his post-AFC Wimbledon interview, there was an agreement in place with Chelsea that saw Ugbo return to his parent Club last Saturday and subsequently miss the clash with AFC Wimbledon.
The 19-year-old, however, returned to Stadium MK this week as he looks to get off the mark in a Dons shirt against Northampton Town.
Local Derby
Around 22 miles separated Stadium MK from Sixfields – one of the shortest journeys the Dons will make this season. The fixture has always been deemed a local rivalry and it’s a stadium where the Dons faithful always turn out in good numbers.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw, back in September – come Saturday, Neilson will be eager to improve upon that result and take all three.
Marcus Tavernier's Debut
Earlier this week Marcus Tavernier signed on at Stadium MK on loan until the end of the season. The exciting young winger is the brother of former Dons defender, James Tavernier who featured for the Club during the 2011-12 campaign.
The 18-year-old made his professional debut for the Championship outfit earlier in the season - starting in their 3-0 win over Scunthorpe United in the Carabao Cup. His first goal came against Bournemouth in the same competition.
Despite his young age, Tavernier does have experience in derby games. Just six minutes into Middlesbrough’s clash with Sunderland he opened the scoring with a clever finish from close range. The goal proved to be the winner – a feat Tavernier will be looking to repeat against Northampton Town.
Former Dons
Amongst Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side are a number of Dons alumni. After leaving Stadium MK in the summer transfer window, Daniel Powell joined Northampton Town on a two-year deal. Since the move, the winger has featured 21 times for the Cobblers – finding the net once.
Also donning the Claret of Northampton is Dean Bowditch. Although currently injured, the 31-year-old has made a total of 16 appearances during his time at Sixfields.
Both Powell and Bowditch would’ve been greeted with a familiar face when they joined the club in the shape of Alex Revell. The striker played with both Bowditch and Powell during his stay at MK Dons and since this season, Revell has scored three times in 17 games.
In January 2014 Chris Long made the loan move from Everton to Stadium MK and got off to the perfect start. The striker found the net in his first game for the club, however, that would prove to be his only goal during his short stint at MK1.
Long is currently enjoying another loan spell with Northampton Town featuring 28 times for the Cobblers. The speedy striker currently has seven goals to his name, his latest the winner against Bradford last weekend.
Big game for both sides
With both sides at the wrong end of the table, this Saturday’s clash is important for both Neilson and Hasselbaink. A win for Dons would see them climb away from the relegation zone as the men from MK1 look to put a run of wins together to climb up the Sky Bet League One table.
Gboly Ariyibi
After departing Stadium MK earlier this week, the Nottingham Forest winger has committed his services to Northampton Town on loan until the end of the season. It's an unusual situation for all three parties involved and one to keep an eye on!
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MK Dons will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday when they travel to Sixfields Stadium to take on Northampton Town.
Tickets are priced at £22 adults, £18 seniors/under-21s and £10 under-18s while under-7s go FREE, if bought in advance of matchday.
Travel, meanwhile, is available at £14 adults and £13 over-65s/under-18s with a £1 discount for Season Ticket holders and members.
To book tickets and travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK/centre:mk store or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 5pm on Friday.
