MK Dons will be looking to record three consecutive wins for the first time under Dan Micciche when they entertain Blackpool at Stadium MK this afternoon.
MK Dons reordered back-to-back wins last weekend when they overcame Rotherham United and then Bury. Chuks Aneke's brace secured all three points against the Shakers, as the Dons stood firm in the final few minutes to breathe life into their relegation fight.
The Dons currently sit 22nd in the Sky Bet League One table, two points adrift of safety. With Oldham Athletic not in action this weekend and Northampton facing Fleetwood Town, three points this afternoon could dramatically change the picture in the battle for survival - should Northampton not pick up three points a win for MK Dons would see them climb out of the relegation zone.
A win will also see the Dons pull themselves to within five points of 15th-placed Blackpool, who won't want to be looking over their shoulder as the final run-in approaches. Should results work in the favour of Micciche's side they could turn a good week into a great fortnight.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Blackpool secured promotion from Sky Bet League Two last season overcoming Exeter City 2-1 in the play-off final. Goals from Brad Potts and Mark Cullen sent the Tangerines fans into raptures at the home of English football.
Gary Bowyer was very active in the summer adding 15 new faces to his side including Jay Spearing from Bolton Wanderers, Oliver Turton from Crewe Alexandra and Jimmy Ryan from Fleetwood Town amongst others. Viv Solomon-Otabor, Sean Longstaff and Callum Cooke also joined the Lancashire Club on loan.
Blackpool currently sit 15th in the Sky Bet League One table and while they have a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone – they will be hoping to avoid the drop come the end of the season.
MK Dons moved to within one point of safety as two Chuks Aneke penalties earned Dan Micciche's side a 2-1 victory at Stadium MK.
Clark Robertson's third goal of the season saw Blackpool come back from behind for a point in a 1-1 draw with Southend United.
The defender struck in first-half added time to cancel out an early opener from Southend striker Marc Antoine Fortune.
The Dons will be without both Callum Brittain and Robbie Muirhead due to international call-ups.
Elsewhere, loanees Josh Tymon and Marcus Tavernier are still sidelined with their respective injuries. Scott Golbourne has made good progress with his hip injury, however, Saturday's clash will come too soon for the defender.
Joe Walsh (knee) and Alex Gilbey (knee) are still out of action.
Blackpool could still be without Nathan Delfouneso after the striker suffered a concussion following a clash of heads with Charlton's Lewis Page.
Kevin Mellor (ankle), Mark Cullen (hamstring) and Jim McAlister (bruising) were also missing for the clash with the Shrimpers. Four points from their last two games have helped Blackpool move six points and six places clear of the relegation zone
Graham Horwood will take charge of today's match at Stadium MK. In 21 games this season, Ward has produced 71 yellow cards and two red.
The Luton official refereed the Dons' 2-0 defeat against Portsmouth earlier in the season, while he is yet to take charge of a Blackpool game this campaign.
Horwood's assistant referees on Saturday are David Plowright and Mark Cunliffe while the fourth official is Dean Whitestone.
Dons wins: 3
Dons wins at Home: 3
Last Dons win: 4-3, 24 Aug 2010 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Dons win: 3-0, 11 Feb 2006 (National Hockey Stadium)
Draws: 0
Blackpool wins: 2
Blackpool wins at Stadium MK: 1
Last Blackpool win: 1-0, 12 Aug 2017 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Blackpool win: 1-0, 12 Aug 2017 (Stadium MK)
Result
Dons win: 9/5
Draw: 9/4
Blackpool win: 6/4
First goalscorer
Chuks Aneke: 5/1
Kieran Agard: 11/2
Osman Sow: 11/2
Ike Ugbo: 6/1
Scorecast
Chuks Aneke to score first and MK Dons to win 2-0 – 45/1
Sky Bet tip
Over 4.5 goals, 15+ match corners and 70+ match booking points – 350/1
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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Tickets for today's clash with Blackpool at Stadium MK are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s* and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons Membership*.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only ticket booths or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
