MK Dons will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches when they take on Gillingham at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Liam Manning’s side haven’t tasted defeat since the 2-1 reverse to Sunderland over a month ago – tied for their best unbeaten stretch since the 2014/15 promotion-winning campaign.
The Dons’ form – three wins and two draws in their last five - has vaulted them into the Sky Bet League One play-off places and they go into this game knowing a victory could see them climb into the top two.
It would be their maiden away triumph of the league campaign and their first since the 2-0 win at Bristol Rovers back in April.
Kick-off this afternoon is at 3pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Gillingham currently sit 19th in Sky Bet League One with only one win to their name along with three draws and two defeats.
That solitary success came against Morecambe at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium – a place where the Gills are unbeaten so far this term (1W, 1D).
Goals have proved hard to come by early on for Steve Evans and his men (6) but they do boast a strong defensive record having only conceded seven times in the league – only seven teams have let in fewer than the Kent outfit.
Vadaine Oliver is currently the Gills’ leading marksmen with two goals while Jack Tucker, Danny Lloyd and former Don Mustapha Carayol have also found the target.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons moved into the Sky Bet League One top six after a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Stadium MK.
The win – the Dons’ third straight at home – was nothing less than they deserved and it was given to them thanks to a 72nd-minute goal from Ethan Robson.
Gillingham were held to a 1-1 draw by Burton Albion last weekend as Kane Hemmings cancelled out Vadaine Oliver's opener.
The Gills went in front in the 18th minute when Oliver picked out the bottom corner from the edge of the box but Hemmings turned home Michael Bostwick's flick from a long throw at the start of the second half.
FIGHTING TALK
Liam Manning: "I have huge respect for Steve (Evans) and the career he’s had. He’s had a hugely respectable career, with the clubs he’s been at and the success he’s had. (Gillingam) are going to be extremely difficult tomorrow, it will be another challenging game and we need to make sure we prepare, we focus and do everything in our powers to make sure that we are in the best position possible to go and perform"
Steve Evans: “(MK Dons) are open, they are expansive, they are very technical and they are very talented. It will represent problems at times. Obviously Liam has come in and his brief is almost to carry on, change nothing, he has done that very well, their performances have been commanding. It is a real difficult opponent we face on Saturday”
TEAM NEWS
MK Dons look set to remain without Mo Eisa and David Kasumu, although both players are progressing in their rehab and have returned to pitch-based work.
Gillingham, meanwhile, have doubts over the fitness of trio Ryan Jackson, Dan Phillips and John Akinde, who were all unable to train on Thursday because of injuries.
OFFICIALS
John Busby will run the rule over today's match with Gillingham.
The seven-year EFL official has taken charge of seven fixtures so far this season, producing a total of 31 yellow cards. He has also sent off one player.
His last MK Dons appointment was back in February 2020, when he oversaw the 1-1 draw with Lincoln City. That day he booked four players.
Edwards’ assistant referees are Andrew Fox and Greg Read, while the fourth official is Michael Webb.
HEAD TO HEAD
MK Dons wins: 7
MK Dons wins at Priestfield Stadium: 1
Last MK Dons win 2-0. 17 Oct 2020 (Stadium MK)
Biggest MK Dons win: 4-2, 9 Aug 2014 (Stadium MK)
Draws: 1
Draws at Priestfield Stadium: 1
Last draw: 2-2. 27 Mar 2010 (Priestfield Stadium)
Gillingham wins: 8
Gillingham wins at Priestfield Stadium: 6
Last Gillingham win: 2-1, 10 Oct 2020 (Fratton Park)
Biggest Gillingham win: 2-0, 2 Mar 2021 (Priestfield Stadium)
ELSEWHERE IN LEAGUE ONE
AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Argyle
Accrington Stanley v Wigan Athletic
Bolton Wanderers v Rotherham United
Cheltenham Town v Oxford United
Crewe Alexandra v Burton Albion
Doncaster Rovers v Morecambe
Fleetwood Town v Sunderland
Lincoln City v Ipswich Town
Portsmouth v Cambridge United
Sheffield Wednesday v Shrewsbury Town
Wycombe Wanderers v Charlton Athletic
FOLLOW IT LIVE
Tickets for today's match are no longer available to buy from the Box Office and there will be NO matchday sales for away supporters at the MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Can’t make the game? Supporters can listen to LIVE commentary on iFollow MK Dons – CLICK HERE to sign up for an Audio Season Pass or an Audio Match Pass!
Live text updates will also be provided on the Match Centre as well as Twitter, while a full report will be available to read shortly after the full-time whistle. Post-match reaction and highlights will follow later tonight.
