mkdons.com details the storylines to follow heading into Saturday's Sky Bet League One clash with Sunderland at Stadium MK...
Putting things right
After Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Sunderland in the Papa John’s Trophy, MK Dons have an immediate opportunity to put things right.
The three-goal scoreline was an unfair reflection on Tuesday's display from the Dons, as Russell Martin’s men proved more than a match for their opponents until a mistake at the back led to the Black Cats doubling their lead.
With players returning, Martin will be hoping his side can give a better account of themselves and make up for missing out on a place in the Papa John’s Trophy Semi Finals by securing three valuable points.
In-form battle
This weekend will see two of the most in-form sides in Sky Bet League One go head-to-head.
MK Dons currently rank eighth in the form table having picked up nine points from their last five matches, with nine goals scored and six conceded.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have collected one point more from the same amount of games, courtesy of three wins, one draw and one defeat. They have scored one fewer goal than the Dons but have conceded only four times.
Well-travelled Black Cats
MK Dons have enjoyed plenty of success at Stadium MK under boss Russell Martin but he and his side face a tough afternoon against one of the best road teams in the division.
Sunderland are unbeaten on their travels this term, winning six and drawing five of their 11 away matches.
Remarkably, they have only conceded four goals away from the Stadium of Light – and only once in their last five away encounters.
Debut for Deadline Day defender?
Russell Martin made two Deadline Day signings but only one is in line to feature this weekend.
Will Grigg is unavailable due to the terms of his loan, and will have to wait to make his first Dons appearance in four-and-a-half years but Zak Jules could make his MK Dons bow on Saturday after sitting out Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy tie due to being cup tied.
The towering defender is match fit having played recently for Walsall and will have had a near-full week of training under his belt by the time Saturday rolls around.
Calvary return
Not only will MK Dons have Zak Jules available this weekend, but they will also welcome back the other three players who were cup-tied for Tuesday's Papa John’s Trophy tie - Ethan Laird, Harry Darling and Charlie Brown.
Boss Russell Martin also revealed on Tuesday that midfielder Andrew Surman is expected to return after almost a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
That would leave the Dons without five players – Grigg, Kieran Agard, Jay Bird, Jordan Houghton and David Kasumu.
***
Season Ticket holders will be able to watch Saturday's match with Sunderland for FREE. You will simply need to log-in to your iFollow MK Dons to view the game - click HERE for full information!
All other supporters will be able to enjoy the game by purchasing an iFollow MK Dons Video Match pass - to purchase a £10 Video Match Pass, click HERE and select Buy A Video Match Pass.
