mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into this weekend’s Sky Bet League Two encounter with Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park
Bouncing back
MK Dons will be looking to return to winning ways with a win over Tranmere Rovers this Saturday. Paul Tisdale and his side fell to their first home defeat since early February as they were beaten 2-0 by Lincoln City.
Prior to the loss, the Dons had suffered just one defeat in their previous nine games - that coming against Morecambe at The Globe Arena.
A victory would also be extremely welcome to the Dons, who could move as much as four points clear in the automatic promotion places should results go in their favour elsewhere too.
Containing Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year
It's been a season to remember of Tranmere Rovers' James Norwood with the 28-year-old netting an impressive 27 Sky Bet League Two goals in 40 games so far this season.
At the annual EFL Awards last Sunday, the Tranmere talisman picked up three different awards - including the prestigious Sky Bet League Two Player of the Year Award.
Norwood was also named in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season as well as the EFL Team of the Season.
Should MK Dons want to pick up three points this Saturday, they'll have to look to contain the league's most clinical striker.
Promotion rivals in action
Just four points separate MK Dons and Tranmere Rovers in the Sky Bet League Two table, meaning a win for either side would give their promotion hopes a huge boost.
Tranmere are not only one of the most in-form sides in the division, but also in English Football, having recently won seven consecutive games to boost their chances of automatic promotion.
Should the two sides finish level at Prenton Park, fourth-placed Bury will be looking to capitalise and jump into third. The Shakers host fellow promotion chasers Colchester United this weekend and will be looking to end their run of three consecutive defeats.
Mansfield, meanwhile, are on the road to Northampton Town.
Manager of the Month nominees go Head-to-Head
Both Paul Tisdale and Micky Mellon were recognised for their respective achievements earlier this week with both bosses being nominated for the March Manager of the Month.
Mellon and his Tranmere side have timed their automatic promotion push to perfection. Five wins from five games, an 11-1 goal differential and their entertaining play aplenty have his players bursting with confidence.
Tisdale, meanwhile, recorded four wins and a draw from six games lifted - a run that lifted MK Dons back into the top three.
Injury situation
Paul Tisdale will be hoping to have one or two of his injured players back for Saturday's encounter. The likes of George Williams and Jordan Moore-Taylor have been progressing well in their rehabilitation programme, with the duo certainly able to provide a boost to the Dons squad.
Alex Gilbey and Baily Cargill are also currently sidelined and it remains to be seen whether either of the pair could return in time for this weekend’s match.
Boss Tisdale should provide an injury update when he meets with the media on Thursday afternoon. His press conference will be available to view in full on mkdons.com from 2pm.
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Next up for MK Dons is their trip to Prenton Park this Saturday to take on Tranmere Rovers.
Tickets are priced at £18 adults, £11 seniors/young adults, £5 under-18s and £2 under-12s, if bought in advance of matchday. Ticket prices will increase on the day of the game.
Ambulant disabled supporters pay the disabled rate of £11 or the relevant age bracket if cheaper. Supporters with a disability are entitled to a FREE personal assistant. Wheelchair users should contact Tranmere Rovers directly on 01516 093 328.
Official Away Travel is running for this fixture, with coach spaces priced at £23 Season Ticket holders and £24 all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 9.30am.
To book tickets/travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will remain on sale from MK Dons until 5pm on Friday.
