MK Dons travel to Burton Albion this evening with the opportunity to move six points clear of the bottom three in Sky Bet League One.
Russell Martin’s men have worked themselves three points ahead of 21st-place Tranmere Rovers, following a run of only one defeat in seven games.
One of Sky Bet League One’s form teams, the Dons could extend that gap with a victory at the Pirelli Stadium tonight and move to within six points of 13th spot in the table.
A success would also make it three wins out of four in the league for Martin’s side – a contrast to their previous record of three wins in 15 matches.
Kick-off in Staffordshire is at 7.45pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Burton Albion are also enjoying excellent form and could move into the play-off places with a win over the Dons tonight.
The Brewers have won four of their last five league encounters, scoring 14 goals and conceding only six times.
Three of those triumphs came at home, where the Staffordshire outfit have enjoyed five total victories this term and only conceded eight goals – the best defensive home record in the division.
Lukas Akins and Liam Boyce are Albion’s main marksmen – they each have seven league goals to their name in 2019/20. Scott Fraser has contributed five goals from midfield.
LAST TIME OUT
Carlton Morris scored a debut goal to earn MK Dons an impressive point away at promotion-chasing Coventry City.
The Sky Blues took the lead less than 50 seconds in, with Sam McCallum finding the net from distance with a dipping half-volley.
Morris, though, came off the bench to secure a share of the spoils for his new side - the Norwich City loanee firing home after Coventry failed to deal with Sam Nombe's low cross.
Burton Albion scored an 89th-minute winner to snatch all three points in their Sky Bet League One clash with Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
Ryan Edwards proved to be the late hero as he glanced home a header from Liam Boyce's cross to earn victory.
Burton, arguably, had the better of the chances throughout the game but it took for the Australian midfielder's sixth of the season to seal their fourth win in five league games.
FIGHTING TALK
Russell Martin: “It feels like we're growing, building and learning together. I think we can be as good as any team in this division. It won't be easy and we'll continue to have some ups and downs. We need to move away from the relegation zone, first and foremost, but we're slowly clawing our way up.”
Nigel Clough: “We have won four out of our last five league games and we go into Tuesday night in good spirits. It is a massive game for us as if we can get three points that puts us even closer and then we have a ten-day break before another home game. Knowing we could be in the top six if results go our way is an incredible incentive for us.”
TEAM NEWS
MK Dons will assess Alex Gilbey ahead of kick-off after the midfielder limped out of the draw with Coventry City.
Otherwise, Russell Martin appears to have a fit squad to choose from, with Jordan Moore-Taylor back involved after time on the sidelines with a knee problem.
Burton Albion have several injury concerns heading into tonight’s game.
Defender Colin Daniel and midfielder David Templeton were both forced off at the weekend and could miss out this evening as a result.
Centre-back Kieran Wallace didn’t play on Saturday due to illness but may return. Burton’s new signing Conor Shaughnessy could, however, miss out on making his debut due to a hamstring injury.
OFFICIALS
Martin Coy will referee tonight’s game at the Pirelli Stadium.
The Durham-based official has taken charge of 21 matches this season and has produced 60 yellow cards. He has only sent off two players, however, and only awarded four penalties.
The last time he oversaw an MK Dons fixture was back in March, when he booked three players during the 1-1 draw with Stevenage at Stadium MK. His most recent Burton appointment was a month previous to that – their 0-0 draw with Barnsley on a day where only two yellow cards were shown.
His assistant referees are Steven Plane and Matthew Bristow while the fourth official is Richard Woodward.
HEAD TO HEAD
Dons wins: 0
Dons wins at the Pirelli Stadium: N/A
Last Dons win: N/A
Biggest Dons win: N/A
Draws: 0
Draws at the Pirelli Stadium: N/A
Last draw: N/A
Burton wins: 1
Burton wins at the Pirelli Stadium: 0
Last Burton win: 3-0, Sat 5 Oct (Stadium MK)
Biggest Burton win: 3-0, Sat 5 Oct (Stadium MK)
SKY BET ODDS
Dons win: 7/2
Draw: 13/5
Burton win: 8/11
Click HERE for more Sky Bet odds!
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FOLLOW IT LIVE
Tickets for tonight's game are priced at £24 adults, £22 seniors/under-23s and £14 under-17s. Tickets can now only be bought at the Pirelli Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Can't make this evening's match? Not to worry, you can listen to live commentary on iFollow MK Dons for just £2.50 - click HERE to purchase an Audio Match Pass!
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 Russell Martin and a player. Highlights will be available three hours after full-time.
