MK Dons will be looking to make it six successive Sky Bet League Two victories this afternoon when they take on Mansfield Town at The One Call Stadium.
Paul Tisdale’s side have enjoyed a perfect October to date, winning all five of their league matches and conceding just one goal. Their run of seven games without a defeat has seen the Dons climb to second in the table, just three points off table-toppers Lincoln City.
They’ll certainly be in for a tough test, though, today as they face a Mansfield Town side who are unbeaten in their last six Sky Bet League Two encounters. David Flitcroft’s side have proven to be a tough nut to crack with The Stags conceding just three goals at home this season – the second lowest number in the division.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
Mansfield Town enter this afternoon's clash having not tasted a Sky Bet League Two defeat since mid-September. Since then, The Stags have scored eight goals and conceded just four – picking up 10 points from a possible 18.
They continued their fine run of form on Tuesday night as they overcame Morecambe 1-0 thanks to Neal Bishop’s first-half goal.
Currently in the hot seat at The One Call Stadium is the experienced David Flitcroft – who is currently amidst his first full season as Mansfield manager. Flitcroft joined the Nottinghamshire outfit in March 2018 – departing Swindon Town in the process.
In the summer, Flitcroft acquired the services of Bishop, Craig Davies, Otis Khan and Matt Preston – all of which joined on permanent deals. There was also movement in the loan market with Tyler Walker, Ryan Sweeney and Timi Elsnik all committing their short-term future to Mansfield.
MK Dons came from behind on Tuesday night as they overcame Notts County 2-1 to secure a fifth straight Sky Bet League Two success.
It was Harry Kewell’s men who took a first-half lead after Lewis Alessandra’s deflected strike found a way past Lee Nicholls. Tisdale’s men displayed character and heart in the second half as goals from Chuks Aneke and Rhys Healey secured all three points.
Meanwhile, Mansfield Town secured three points at The Globe Arena on Tuesday evening with Neal Bishop’s 36th-minute goal the decider in their 1-0 win.
Paul Tisdale confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Peter Pawlett is back in full training however this afternoon's game will come too soon for the 27-year-old.
Tisdale also added Mathieu Baudry has been training but isn’t ready for competitive minutes, while Osman Sow and Ryan Harley are still undergoing rehabilitation.
For Mansfield Town, midfielder Alex MacDonald and defender David Mirfin will miss the game as they continue their recoveries from knee injuries. The match will also come too soon for right-back Hayden White.
Striker Craig Davies could be back in contention, though, but Matt Preston, CJ Hamilton and Tyler Walker are doubts, following a recent training session.
Will Atkinson is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension during Tuesday night's win over Morecambe.
Sebastian Stockbridge will oversee today's encounter at The One Call Stadium – his 14th game of the season.
So far this campaign, Mr Stockbridgehas issued 32 yellow cards and one red – his last MK Dons game meanwhile – was their 5-1 defeat against Wigan in April 2018.
David Avent and Richard Woodward are his assistants, while Paul Hobday is the Fourth Official.
Dons wins: 2
Dons wins at The One Call Stadium: 1
Last Dons win: 1-0, 01 Jan 2008 (Stadium MK)
Biggest win: 2-1, 2 Oct 2007 (The One Call Stadium)
Draws: 1
Draws at The One Call Stadium: 0
Last draw: 1-1, Tue 18 Sep 2012 (Stadium MK)
Mansfield wins: 1
Mansfield wins at The One Call Stadium: 1
Last Mansfield Town win: 2-1, 08 Aug 2006 (The One Call Stadium)
Biggest Mansfield Town win: 2-1, 08 Aug 2006 (The One Call Stadium)
Result
Dons win: 21/10
Draw: 23/10
Mansfield win: 13/10
Tickets, which can now only be bought at the One Call Stadium ahead of kick-off, are priced £24 adults, £20 seniors (65+), £18 young adults (18-21) and £14 juniors (7-17) while under-6s' tickets are priced at £2.
Can't make the game? iFollow MK Dons subscribers can listen to live commentary of the 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.
