Two of Sky Bet League Two’s unbeaten sides will go head-to-head at Stadium MK this afternoon as Forest Green Rovers are the visitors to MK1.
MK Dons have had to wait two weeks since their last Sky Bet League Two outing due to their clash with Yeovil Town being postponed and will no doubt be eager to take to the pitch come 3pm.
With three wins and three draws to their name, MK Dons currently six sixth in the division having also conceded just three goals. Forest Green meanwhile, are yet to be defeated either with two wins and five draws so far this season.
Forest Green Rovers have made an impressive start to their season, they currently occupy ninth place in the Sky Bet League Two table – one point off a play-off position.
Hailing from the small Gloucestershire town of Nailsworth, its population of just under 6,000 makes it the smallest ever settlement to host an EFL club and, earlier this year, Rovers became the world’s first UN certified carbon-neutral football club thanks to its eco-friendly philosophy.
The club are entering their second season in the EFL having avoided relegation last season under the stewardship of the experienced Mark Cooper. Rovers kicked off their 2018/19 campaign in emphatic fashion as they ran out 4-1 winners over Grimsby Town.
Following that win, came draws against Oldham, Bury, Stevenage and Swindon respectively before they overcame Notts County 3-1 at the beginning of September.
MK Dons weren’t in action last Saturday due to the international break, with their last game a Checkatrade Trophy clash with Peterborough United. They made a winning start to their Trophy campaign as they ran out 6-5 penalty winners at Stadium MK after a 3-3 draw in normal time.
Chuks Aneke opened his account for the season as the striker netted a first-half brace, while Rhys Healey also netted his first goal in a Dons shirt.
Second-half goals from George Cooper, Tyler Denton and Matt Godden, however, forced the tie to penalties.
Stuart Moore was the hero on the night as he saved Jamie Walker's penalty before Sam Nombe tucked away from the spot to secure the two-point win via penalties.
Forest Green Rovers were in action last weekend - however, a second-half Tom Pope penalty cancelled out Carl Winchester’s early goal.
Mark Cooper’s were reduced to ten men when Farrend Rawson was sent off, but they held on to maintain their unbeaten start.
MK Dons manager Paul Tisdale: “Forest Green have made some sensible singings. They look like they are improving as a team and have the capability of continuing to play the really good football, which they had last year.
"They are team I think can beat anybody on their day with the way they play – I think we need to have our wits about us and we should believe what we can do but we shouldn’t underestimate them at all.”
Forest Green Rovers manager Mark Cooper: "Obviously they came down last year and they have been able to keep a lot of their good players. I am sure that they are going to have a really good season."
"If you are in and around MK Dons then you will not be far away either. It is a big club with big expectations and we are aware it will be a tough afternoon."
Paul Tisdale has a number of attacking options had his disposal heading into today's game.
Chuks Aneke and Rhys Healey impressed against Peterborough United while Sam Nombe scored in Tuesday’s Central League win over AFC Wimbledon - a match which saw Brandon Thomas-Asante make his return from injury. Tisdale also confirmed on Thursday that Osman Sow is fine, despite missing the tie Checkatrade Trophy ten days ago.
Attacking midfielder Ryan Harley is also back in training for MK Dons but Conor McGrandles, Peter Pawlett and Lawson D’Ath are among those who remain sidelined.
Forest Green Rovers, meanwhile, will be without defender Farrend Rawson who is suspended after his sending off against Port Vale.
Ben Toner will run the rule over this afternoon's clash as he takes charge of his sixth match of the season.
The experienced referee has so far issued six yellow cards this season, while he has dished out four reds.
Mr Toner last took charge of the Dons during their 2-0 defeat against Bradford City back in April of this year.
His assistant referees today are Anthony Da Costa Harty and Thomas Ramsey, while the Fourth Official is Christopher Kidd.
MK Dons wins: 1
MK Dons wins at Stadium MK: 0
Biggest MK Dons win: 1-0, 8 Aug 2017 (The New Lawn)
Last MK Dons win: 1-0, 8 Aug 2017 (The New Lawn)
Draws: 0
Draws at Stadium MK: 0
Forest Green wins: 0
Forest Green wins at Stadium MK: 0
Tickets are priced at just £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons membership. Supporters can upgrade their seat to East Centre for just £5 more while an upgrade to clubRed is available for a £10 premium.
Don’t forget, with a Club Dons membership you can enjoy a £5 discount on 10 EFL matches during the 2018/19 season - Young Dons members are entitled to £1 off all 2018/19 EFL matches. Season Ticket holders can also bring a friend for FREE on one occasion during the campaign while Premier Members can do so twice.
To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only booths at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
Supporters outside the UK and Ireland can watch the match LIVE by purchasing a Match Pass – click HERE to buy!
iFollow MK Dons subscribers can also access 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.
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Elsewhere in the Sky Bet League Two...
Carlisle United v Cheltenham Town
Cheltenham Town v Tranmere Rovers
Crawley Town v Morecambe
Grimsby Town v Oldham Athletic
Macclesfield Town v Lincoln City
Mansfield Town v Exeter City
Newport County v Yeovil Town
Notts County v Stevenage
Port Vale v Northampton Town
Swindon Town v Bury
