Milton Keynes Dons

MK Dons are back on the road this afternoon as they travel to Ipswich Town.

The Dons fell to their first defeat in five matches on Easter Monday but have a chance to respond today when they visit Portman Road.

Russell Martin’s men have only suffered back-to-back defeats four times this campaign – two of which came during their run of three straight losses last month.

Should his side bounce back with a win, they could climb as high as 10th in the Sky Bet League One table while it may be enough to secure, at least, their third-tier status for next season.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

THE OPPOSITION
Ipswich Town sit eighth in the Sky Bet League One table as they look to return to secure a play-off finish in hope of a return to the Sky Bet Championship. The Tractor Boys are just five points ahead of MK Dons with their tally for the season currently at 59 points.

Ipswich started the season with Paul Lambert in charge, however, the former Norwich City boss was relieved of his duties in late February. Replacing him in the hot seat was Paul Cook, a man who has three promotions on his CV with Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic respectively. Cook has lost just three of his opening nine games as Ipswich manager - winning three and drawing three.

James Norwood leads their goalscoring charts with seven goals to his name this season. Gwion Edwards is placed second having found the net five times, while midfielders Teddy Bishop, Alan Judge and Jon Nolan all have four goals.

LAST TIME OUT
Two goals in six first-half minutes from Mikael Mandron saw MK Dons beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra at Stadium MK.

Mandron opened the scoring on 15 minutes, moments after Cameron Jerome had a goal disallowed for offside.

The Crewe striker then doubled both his and his side’s lead six minutes later – a lead that Russell Martin’s men weren’t able to overcome, as they failed to extend their four-game winning run.

Ipswich Town played out a goalless draw with Rochdale to extend their unbeaten run to three games.

Alan Judge has the best chance of the game with his effort from 25-yards ending narrowly wide of the post.

FIGHTING TALK
Russell Martin: "I’m sure a few thousand people will tell you Saturday is more important (for me), but we’ll prepare properly as we do with any game. I’m sure I would’ve got stick going there if there were fans. It’s a really good challenge for our players. We need to go there and enjoy it."

Paul Cook: "We've got to beat MK Dons at Portman Road on Saturday. It'll be a tough game, they are a very good side at passing the ball and managing the ball. We've got to win and our fans have to believe we are going to win. What will the picture look like at 5pm on Saturday - a lot better than it does today."

TEAM NEWS
MK Dons saw both Louis Thompson and Cameron Jerome limp out of Monday’s defeat to Crewe and boss Russell Martin didn’t provide an update on their status for this afternoon’s game when he met with the media for his pre-match press conference.

it remains to be seen whether the pair will be available for today's trip to Suffolk or whether they will join Ben Gladwin, Kieran Agard and Jay Bird on the sidelines.

In more positive news, Martin did confirm that midfielder David Kasumu made it through his first game in three months unscathed. He will be pushing for more playing time today.

Flynn Downes remains a doubt for Ipswich Town. The midfieldr has not featured since the 13th March when he was substituted off in the 36th-minute.

Meanwhile, strikers Freddie Sears and James Wilson will both face a late fitness test ahead of this afternoon's game.

OFFICIALS
Tom Nield will be the man in the middle today.

Mr Nield has overseen 28 matches so far this term, producing a total of 99 yellow cards. He has sent off two players and has awarded two penalties.

His assistant referees are Richard Wigglesworth and Michael Webb, while the fourth official is Sam Purkiss.