MK Dons face Newport County at Stadium MK this aftern, looking to build on two important impressive victories and secure a third straight Sky Bet League Two success.
Paul Tisdale’s men collected six points from their visits to Newport (1-0) and Carlisle United (3-2) last week and moved up to fourth in the league table, closing the gap on the automatic promotion places to just two points in the process.
Another win over the Exiles today could see them climb into the automatic promotion places should Mansfield Town fail to beat Forest Green Rovers at the One Call Stadium.
At the very least, though, it would provide them with real momentum heading into the month of March.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
The opposition
Newport County will be in a confident mood having also enjoyed two strong performances in their last two matches.
Michael Flynn’s team bounced back from their 1-0 defeat to MK Dons by putting in a spirited display against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup. Although they lost the tie, County were well in the contest right up until stoppage time.
The Exiles followed up their meeting with Pep Guardiola’s men by thrashing a resurgent Notts County outfit 4-1 at Meadow Lane in midweek - a result which ended a run of seven straight away league defeats.
Strikers Padraig Amond and Jamille Matt were both on target in that win over Notts County, with the latter scoring twice. The pair have combined for a whopping 23 league goals this term, contributing to more than half of Newport’s total tally.
Last time out
MK Dons made it back-to-back away victories for the first time since October, following up their 1-0 win over Newport County by beating Carlisle United 3-2 at Brunton Park.
In an action-packed contest, it was the Dons who broke the deadlock through Conor McGrandles’ first Club goal. Carlisle, though, responded just three minutes later, with Stefan Scougall netting from the penalty spot after being brought down by Baily Cargill.
Boss Paul Tisdale brought on Chuks Aneke at the break and the striker provided the assist for the Dons’ second goal, which was brilliantly converted by Jake Hesketh from the edge of the area. Kieran Agard then doubled the advantage, finishing off an excellent attacking move with a tidy finish.
Carlisle striker Hallam Hope set up a nervy finish with a far post effort in the 90th minute but the Dons were able to see out stoppage time to send the points back down the country to Milton Keynes.
An excellent away display from Newport County saw them thrash bottom-of-the-table Notts County at Meadow Lane in midweek.
Defender Fraser Franks put Newport ahead, firing home a loose ball after Notts failed to clear their lines.
The home side soon equalised through Kane Hemmings but Newport were back in front five minutes later as Jamile Matt headed in from close range.
Matt scored a third before half-time with an acrobatic finish inside six-yards, with fellow frontman Padraig Amond putting the finishing touches on a dominant display with a header two minutes into the second half.
Fighting talk
Paul Tisdale: “We cannot underestimate Newport. They got a really good result in the week, so I don't want to take anything for granted.
“They play a particular way, they're hard to beat, and they play some really good attacking football at times.”
Michael Flynn: “[Tuesday] was an important win, but we’ve got to back it up now. We need back-to-back wins and we need to go on a bit of a run.
“We’ve won a game away from home, but we’ve got three out of the next four away from home. Let’s hope it’s like London buses – you wait ages for one and then two or three come along at once.”
Team news
MK Dons remain without the services of George Williams and Jordan Moore-Taylor, Paul Tisdale confirmed.
The manager, though, hopes to have the remainder of his squad available for selection this afternoon.
County midfielder Joss Labadie has emerged as a doubt after picking up an injury in the 4-1 win at Notts County in midweek.
Striker Jamille Matt should be okay to play despite losing a tooth in that game at Meadow Lane.
Officials
Sebastian Stockbridge will take charge of today's affair, refereeing the Dons for the second time this season having overseen the 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town back in November.
The Tyne official has ran the rule over 27 matches this campaign, producing a total of 83 yellow cards but only making one sending off - that red card was shown way back in August.
His assistant referees are Kevin Morris and George Byrne while the fourth official is Garry Maskell.
Head to head
This will be only the third meeting between MK Dons and Newport County, with the former looking to maintain their 100% record over the Exiles.
The Dons have won the two previous clashes, including last week’s 1-0 win at Rodney Parade. The first encounter saw a Karl Robinson led side win 3-2 in a thrilling Carabao Cup tie.
Today will be Newport’s first ever visit to Stadium MK.
Sky Bet odds
Dons win - 4/5
Draw - 11/4
Newport win - 16/5
Click HERE for more Sky Bet odds, with up to 118 more odds available for this fixture.
Elsewhere in Sky Bet League Two
Bury v Oldham Athletic
Cheltenham Town v Port Vale
Colchester United v Carlisle United
Crawley Town v Macclesfield Town
Crewe Alexandra v Exeter City
Mansfield Town v Forest Green Rovers
Morecambe v Lincoln City
Stevenage v Northampton Town
Swindon Town v Grimsby Town
Tranmere Rovers v Notts County
Yeovil Town v Cambridge United
Follow it live
Tickets are priced from £22 adults, £17 over-65s and £7 under-18s while under-12s go FREE with a Young Dons members. To book tickets click HERE, visit the Box Office/cash-only ticket booths at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off.
Can’t make the match? iFollow MK Dons subscribers will have access to live audio commentary of this game - click HERE to sign up for a Monthly Pass for just £4.49 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 6pm.
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.
