mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday's Sky Bet League One encounter with Portsmouth at Stadium MK...
Chance to respond
After a disappointing defeat at Lincoln City in midweek, MK Dons have the chance to respond this Saturday when they take on Portsmouth at Stadium MK.
Russell Martin’s men were in control of Tuesday’s contest up until an 11-minute hat-trick from Brennan Johnson put the match out of reach.
The Dons have bounced back well to defeats this season, only losing successive games on three occasions. They will look to channel that character again this Saturday, to put right some of the wrongs from midweek.
A point to secure League One status
MK Dons’ form since the turn of the year as afforded them the luxury of not having to look too seriously over their shoulder, but they have an opportunity, on Saturday, to confirm their Sky Bet League One status once and for all.
A point will be enough for Russell Martin’s men, who are currently 15 points clear of Northampton Town with 15 points left to play for.
Should Wigan Athletic or Northampton Town fail to win, that would also seal it for the Dons, who could also secure at least a 19th-placed finish with maximum points coupled with a defeat for AFC Wimbledon.
Chasing 10 home wins
A victory on Saturday would be MK Dons’ ninth home league win of the season, putting them within reach of double-figure Stadium MK successes.
The Dons haven’t reached 10 home league victories in a League One season since 2014/15, and have only done so twice since 2012.
What’s more, Russell Martin’s men only have five home losses to their name so far this term. Should it finish that way, it would be the tied for second fewest a Dons side has ever had in a league season, bettered only by their 2014/15 and 2018/19 promotion-winning terms and the 2010/11 campaign.
Play-off chasing Pompey
While the Dons will be using Saturday’s match as a chance to build further towards next season, Portsmouth will be looking to secure three points to help them in their goal of playing Championship football in 2021/22.
Pompey currently hold the fourth and final play-off spot, three points clear of Oxford United and Charlton Athletic, having played a game less than the U’s but one more than the seventh-placed Addicks.
Danny Cowley’s side cannot afford a slip-up in their pursuit of a sixth-place but can the Dons put a dent in their promotion chances?
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