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Match Previews

Preview: Swindon Town

All you need to know ahead of today's Sky Bet League Two clash at Stadium MK...

9 February 2019

MK Dons return to Stadium MK action this afternoon in search of their 11th home win of campaign - one which would see them get back on track in the Sky Bet League Two.

Paul Tisdale’s men boast one of the best home records in the division and picked up a valuable three points in their last Stadium MK outing courtesy of a 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic.

However, they weren’t able to follow that result u[ at Exeter City, instead suffering a defeat which has them sitting sixth in the Sky Bet League Two table entering today's game, four points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Home win number 11, therefore, would be very welcome. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Swindon Town arrive in Milton Keynes with the sixth-best away record in the league and unbeaten in their last four matches on the road.

The Robins have picked up 22 points from their 15 away league outings this season and have conceded just 17 goals. Their form on the road has kept them alive in the play-off race, with Richie Wellens men entering the final 16 games with 10 points separating them and the top seven.

Midfielder Michael Doughty currently leads the way in terms of goals this season, with nine league strikes to his name. Swindon also added to their attacking options in January, recruiting Southend United frontman Theo Robinson to go alongside the likes of Elijah Adebayo, Steven Alzate and Keshi Anderson.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who was in inspired form in the reverse fixture back in September, has kept seven clean sheets this campaign - the majority of those coming away from home.

MK Dons were unable to build on their 10th home win of the season when they travelled to Exeter City last weekend, as they were beaten 3-1 by the Grecians at St James Park.

Paul Tisdale’s men found themselves two-goals behind inside the opening 17 minutes courtesy of goals from Nicky Law and Jake Taylor but managed to reduce the deficit shortly after half-time through Joe Walsh.

The Dons then looked like grabbing an equaliser until a defensive mistake allowed Law to net his second goal of the game and secure the points for the Devon club.

Swindon Town, not in action last weekend due to the adverse weather, were beaten Crawley Town in their most recent Sky Bet League Two fixture.

Crawley broke the deadlock with what proved to be the decisive goal one minute into first-half stoppage time - Filipe Morais finding the back of the net with a deflected shot from close range.

The Robins were presented with a late chance to equalise when Candice Carroll was brought down inside the penalty area in the 89th minute. Keshi Anderson, though, failed to convert from the spot and his side, as a result, fell to a home defeat.

Paul Tisdale: “Swindon are a good side and they’re on a good run. We will have to be at our best against them.”

Richie Wellens: “[MK Dons] are renowned for a being a really good football team. It’s a big pitch there, a nice one and we’re looking forward to it from that aspect.”

Paul Tisdale made note in his pre-match press conference that places are up for grabs in his MK Dons side so could make changes this afternoon.

Two players who will be pushing for starts are Deadline Day duo Jake Hesketh and Stephen Walker, who both impressed off the bench against Exeter City.

In terms of absentees, it remains to be seen whether Jordan Moore-Taylor will be involved with fellow defender George Williams the only definite absentee.

Swindon Town defender Luke Woolfenden may be a doubt after suffering a calf injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this week.

Olly Lancashire is making progress for the Robins but it appears today's game will come too soon for the Town captain.

Christopher Sarginson will take charge of this afternoon's affair at Stadium MK - the second time he has refereed MK Dons this season.

The Staffordshire official ran the rule over the Sky Bet League Two clash with Colchester United back in December, producing five yellow cards that evening. In total this season, he has shown 90 yellow cards but only handed four players their marching orders.

His assistant referees are Marvyn Amphlett and Joe Clark while the fourth official is Stuart Butler.

This will be the 23rd meeting between MK Dons and Swindon Town.

It’s the Dons who hold the advantage in the head-to-head stats, with 10 wins to their name compared to Swindon’s six. There have also been six draws played out between the two teams.

MK Dons have enjoyed success over the Robins at Stadium MK too, having won five and drawn one of the last six meetings in Milton Keynes.

MK Dons win - 19/20
Draw - 5/2
Swindon Town win - 13/5

Click HERE for a list of Sky Bet odds!

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 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 2pm.

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.

***

Elsewhere in Sky Bet League Two...
Cambridge United v Port Vale
Carlisle United v Exeter City
Colchester United v Cheltenham Town
Crawley Town v Oldham Athletic
Forest Green Rovers v Notts County
Lincoln City v Northampton Town
Macclesfield Town v Crewe Alexandra
Morecambe v Bury
Newport County v Mansfield Town
Tranmere Rovers v Stevenage
Yeovil Town v Grimsby Town

 


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