MK Dons are back in action this Saturday, as they travel to Bury for their first away game of 2019.
Due to Oldham Athletic’s involvement in the Emirates FA Cup, Paul Tisdale’s side have played just one this month – they’ll certainly be eager to get back on the pitch this Saturday.
They last took to the field on New Year’s Day, when they ran out 6-0 winners over Cambridge United in emphatic fashion.
The clash will certainly prove to be a mouth-watering one, with both MK Dons and Bury sitting in the automatic promotion places heading into the weekend.
Kick-off is at 3pm.
With former MK Dons striker Ryan Lowe at the helm, Bury have mounted a serious promotion challenge, as they look to return to Sky Bet League One at the first time of asking.
Heading into Saturday’s clash in Greater Manchester, the Shakers currently sit third place in the table – just one point behind the Dons. Gigg Lane has proved to be a fortress for Lowe’s side this season, his side have lost just once at home this season and have scored an impressive 31 goals in their 13 home outings – the most in the division.
19 of Bury’s 49 goals in Sky Bet League Two this season have come via two former Dons. After moving to Gigg Lane in the Summer of 2018, Nicky Maynard has found his goalscoring boots – he’s netted 10 times this season, averaging a goal every 136 minutes.
Elsewhere, Jay O’Shea has found himself on the scoresheet nine times, while he’s also registered three assists so far this campaign.
MK Dons began 2019 in stunning style, returning to winning ways in Sky Bet League Two with a 6-0 victory at Stadium MK.
Three goals in the first 12 minutes from Rhys Healey, Kieran Agard and Chuks Aneke had Paul Tisdale’s men in full control early on.
Healey, Agard and substitute Osman Sow then added further strikes to put the icing on a stunning home display and to secure a result which sees the second-placed Dons move four points clear in the automatic promotion places in Sky Bet League Two.
Nick Maynard’s goal was enough to give Bury a 1-0 win over Yeovil Town in their last Sky Bet League Two fixture.
Lowe’s side were in action earlier this week, as they took on Accrington Stanley in the Checkatrade Trophy- a game they won 4-2 – having been 2-0 down at half-time.
Goals from Maynard, O’Shea and a Dom Telford brace secured their passage into the Quarter-Final stages of the competition.
Paul Tisdale: "[The games become more important] every week and every month we edge closer to the end of the season. It's amplified you're playing a team close to you in the league and when you're in the top six or bottom six.
Ryan Lowe: "Even though Saturday against MK Dons is 2nd v 3rd, it's just another game for us. We're confident, but we're not arrogant. The hard work has to continue, and we're not getting carried away."
Osman Sow marked his return to fitness with a goal from the bench against Cambridge on New Year's Day and may replace Rhys Healey who returned to parent Club Cardiff City following the victory.
Elsewhere, Ryan Harley played 45-minutes for the Under-23s on Monday afternoon, however, Saturday's clash may come too soon for the midfielder who is continuing his rehabilitation.
Paul Tisdale didn’t reveal any further injury news in his post-match press conference on Thursday.
Bury recently lost Callum Styles and Jamie Barjonas who returned to Barnsley and Rangers respectively following loan deals at Gigg Lane.
Peter Bankes will oversee this Saturday's clash with Bury.
Mr Bankes last oversaw the Dons during their Fourth Round Emirates FA Cup clash with Coventry last season.
In total this season, Bankes has made three dismissals and booked 101 players in 23 outings.
His assistant referees are Geoffrey Russell and James Wilson while the fourth official is Michael Salisbury.
MK Dons wins: 8
MK Dons wins at Gigg Lane: 4
Last MK Dons win: 1-0, 11 Aug 2018 (Stadium MK)
Biggest MK Dons win: 5-1, 02 Feb 2008 (Gigg Lane)
Draws: 3
Draws at Gigg Lane: 2
Last draw: 0-0, 14 Feb 2017 (Gigg Lane)
Bury wins: 2
Bury wins at Gigg Lane: 1
Last Bury win: 3-1, 27 Sep 2016 (Stadium MK)
Biggest Bury win: 3-1, 27 Sep 2016 (Stadium MK)
Dons win - 9/5
Draw - 23/10
Bury win - 7/5
Click HERE for more Sky Bet odds!
MK Dons travel to Greater Manchester this Saturday for a mouth-watering third versus second Sky Bet League Two clash. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Bury have confirmed that tickets can only be purchased through them, either online, by phone or at the turnstiles on the day of the game.
Tickets are priced at £20 adults, £14 supporters with a disability/under-23s, 65s and over, £10 under-18s, £7 under-16s and £5 under-12s while under-5s go FREE. Tickets bought online or by phone will be subject to a booking fee but tickets bought on the day of the game will not be.
To book tickets in advance through Bury click HERE or call 0161 764 4881. Tickets can also be bought from the turnstiles on the day of the game at the Energy Check Stadium at Gigg Lane.
Official away travel is available to book through MK Dons. Coach spaces are priced at £22 for Season Ticket holders and £23 for all other supporters. Coaches will depart Stadium MK at 9.30am.
To book coach travel click HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 0333 200 5343. Coach travel will be available to book until 5pm on Friday 11th January, subject to availability.
