MK Dons play host to Bristol Rovers this afternoon as they look to pick up an elusive win at the staro busy month of March.
The Dons are still looking for their first three points under Dan Micciche, however, they enter today’s clash after two consecutive draws.
They currently occupy the third relegation spot, five points off safety, but with the weather playing havoc with the weekend’s fixture list, it could be a chance to make some ground on their relegation rivals.
Kick-Off is 3.00pm.
Although they've been consistently mid-table throughout this term, Bristol Rovers will be looking to reach the play-offs come the end of the season. They currently sit seven points off the final play-off position currently occupied by Plymouth Argyle, but they do hold a game in hand over the Devon club.
The Pirates are one of Sky Bet League One's in-form teams in 2018 as they've recorded five wins, two draws and just two defeats during their nine games during this calendar year. They required a last-minute equaliser from Ellis Harrison last weekend to claim a point at home to Scunthorpe.
At the helm is Darrell Clarke, a man who was promoted from within to take over management duties from John Ward in 2013. The Gas stuck with Clarke when they were relegated out of the Football League and that proved to be a smart decision. Since then, the 40-year-old has overseen two successive promotions before a 10th-place finish last campaign.
MK Dons recorded their second consecutive draw last weekend as they drew 1-1 with Fleetwood Town. Robbie Muirhead got the Dons off to the perfect start just 20-minutes into the clash as he curled his strike past Ashley Cairns to score his first goal of the season.
Against the run of play, Fleetwood pegged the Dons back through the right foot of Ashley Hunter. The Fleetwood man was unmarked on the edge of the box before finding the far corner of Lee Nicholls' goal in wonderful fashion.
Bristol Rovers were due to play on Tuesday night, however, their clash with Wigan Athletic was postponed to the freezing weather conditions. Their last game, therefore, was last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe.
Ellis Harrison netted in stoppage time to salvage a point after Duane Holmes had given the Iron the lead.
The Dons welcomed back Chuks Aneke to the fold during last weekend's draw with Fleetwood Town, while Ethan Ebanks-Landell was another returning face after he served a two-game suspension.
Micciche will have Ed Upson back in contention this afternoon after he served the past punishment having picked up 10 yellow cards. The Dons boss will also be hoping to welcome back Osman Sow, after a number of weeks in the treatment room.
Peter Pawlett and Marcus Tavernier continue to be monitored by the medical team while Alex Gilbey [knee], Joe Walsh [knee] and Scott Golbourne [hip] remain sidelined long-term.
Antony Coggins will referee today's fixture - he last officiated the Dons back in October during their 4-4 draw with Oldham.
The Oxfordshire born-official has taken charge of 26 matches this season, in total, he has produced 57 yellow cards and three reds.
His assistant referees this afternoon are Christopher Kidd and Joe Clark while the fourth official is Grant Taylor.
Dons wins: 6
Dons wins at Stadium MK: 4
Last Dons wins: 2-1, 02 Feb 2011 (The Memorial Stadium)
Biggest Dons win: 2-0, 19 Aug 2006 (National Hockey Stadium)
Draws: 3
Draws at Stadium MK: 1
Last Draw: 1-0, 11 Nov 2017 (Stadium MK)
Bristol Rovers wins: 2
Bristol Rovers wins at Stadium MK: 0
Last Bristol Rovers win: 2-0, 28 Oct 2017 (The Memorial Stadium)
Biggest Bristol Rovers win: 2-0, 28 Oct 2017 (The Memorial Stadium)
Result
Dons win: 13/10
Draw: 11/5
Fleetwood win: 11/5
First goalscorer
Chuks Aneke: 5/1
Kieran Agard: 5/1
Ike Ugbo: 11/2
No goalscorer: 9/1
Ellis Harrison: 9/2
Rory Gaffney: 5/1
Tom Nichols: 13/2
Scorecast
Chuks Aneke to score first and MK Dons to win 2-1 – 33/1
Sky Bet tip
Draw at Half-Time and MK Dons to win at Full-Time – 11/2
All odds correct at the time of writing.
Create a Sky Bet account today and enjoy some fantastic offers – click HERE to register!
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.
***
Tickets for today’s clash are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s/under-21s* and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons Membership*.
This match has been designated as the Leighton-Linslade Big Day, meaning residents with an LU7 postcode can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of £10 adults and £3 under-18s. Under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership*.
Supporters can upgrade to East Centre for a £5 premium while a seat in clubRed is available for £10 more.
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.
