MK Dons face Bradford City tonight as Mike Williamson takes charge of his first game at Stadium MK.
Williamson was appointed as the Club’s Head Coach a week ago today and led the team for the first time at Accrington Stanley this past weekend.
The new boss has two further fixtures to tackle this week, both at Stadium MK, as he looks to implement his philosophy onto the team and, ultimately, turn around the Dons’ form.
His side will be looking to secure their first league win in 10 this evening and begin their ascent back up the Sky Bet League Two table.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
THE OPPOSITION
Bradford City are unbeaten in three heading into tonight’s clash, three points adrift of the Sky Bet League Two play-off places.
Under the caretaker management of player Kevin McDonald, the Bantams have gone from winning just once in six outings, to win two of their last three – including an impressive 1-0 win over Swindon Town and away triumph at AFC Wimbledon.
Their success at AFC Wimbledon was their second in their last three away matches, that after failing to win their first four games on the road to start the 2023/24 campaign.
They do remain one of the lowest scorers in the division on their travels, having only found the net seven times in their seven away fixtures. In total, they have scored 15 goals this term – five of which have come courtesy of striker Andy Cook.
LAST TIME OUT
MK Dons were beaten 1-0 by Accrington Stanley in Mike Williamson’s first match in charge.
Williamson’s side had early chances to get on the scoresheet but it was the home side who struck the decisive first goal on 31 minutes – Shaun Whalley finding the top corner from the edge of the area.
Mo Eisa and Max Dean both had chances after that but the Dons were unable to salvage a result.
Bradford City came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Wrexham.
After a fiercely-contested first-half, Wrexham drew first blood when Paul Mullin headed home from Ryan Barnett’s cross on 68 minutes.
Bradford, though, levelled the scores in the closing stages of the 90 – substitute Adam Wilson firing a shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
FIGHTING TALK
Mike Williamson: “I've played with Kevin (McDonald), and he's a great character. You can see from the results and their style, he's given them a new lease of life, a freedom, but he demands high intensity and structure.
“(Bradford) are a huge club, with huge expectations. They've got some very effective players for this level, and it will be tough for us but we’re at home and I hope we can put in more of a complete performance.”
Kevin McDonald: “Obviously MK Dons have got a new manager and we’ll see how they are going to play and what way we’re going to set up.
"We’ll be ready for it. We’ll be at it whoever is playing, that’s for sure."
TEAM NEWS
MK Dons appear to have no fresh injury concerns following Saturday’s trip to Accrington Stanley, though Head Coach Mike Williamson might opt to rotate his line-up to both keep players fresh and to assess his playing squad.
Dean Lewington, Ash Hunter and Nathan Harness remain the Dons’ confirmed injury absentees while Ellis Harrison also missed out at the weekend.
Bradford City are without midfield duo Richie Smallwood and Jamie Walker due to suspension, which could open the door for caretaker boss Kevin McDonald to name himself in the starting XI.
Clarke Odour and former MK Dons loanee Daniel Oyegoke are two others tipped to replace the banned pair.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Jack Payne spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Bradford City, playing 47 times and scoring nine goals. Meanwhile, Bantams defender Daniel Oyegoke spent time at Stadium MK last campaign, making 18 appearances while on loan from Brentford.
OFFICIALS
Matt Corlett will take charge of this evening’s affair at Stadium MK – his maiden MK Dons appointment.
The first-year EFL official has refereed seven matches so far this campaign, producing a total of 29 yellow cards and three red cards. He has also awarded four penalties.
His assistant referees are Andy Bennett and Shaun Farrer while the fourth official is Kevin Morris.
HEAD TO HEAD
MK Dons wins: 5
MK Dons wins at Stadium MK: 2
Last MK Dons win: 2-0, 23 Sep 2014 (Stadium MK)
Biggest MK Dons win: 4-1, 8 Feb 2005 (Valley Parade)
Draws: 1
Draws at Stadium MK: 0
Last draw: 2-2, 28 Feb 2017 (Valley Parade)
Bradford City wins: 10
Bradford City wins at Stadium MK: 5
Last Bradford City win: 2-0, 24 Apr 2018 (Valley Parade)
Biggest Bradford City win: 4-1, 7 Oct 2017 (Stadium MK)
ELSEWHERE IN SKY BET LEAGUE TWO
AFC Wimbledon v Accrington Stanley
Crewe Alexandra v Stockport County
Doncaster Rovers v Salford City
Forest Green Rovers v Barrow
Grimsby Town v Colchester United
Harrogate Town v Mansfield Town
Morecambe v Tranmere Rovers
Notts County v Newport County
Swindon Town v Gillingham
Walsall v Crawley Town
Wrexham v Sutton United
FOLLOW IT LIVE
Tickets are still on sale from the Box Office and online, priced from £24 adults, £18 over-65s and under-25s, £6 under-21s and £3 under-14s if bought before 4pm, while under-7s can watch from as little as £1.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office at Stadium MK or call 01908 622933. Tickets will be available to buy right up until kick-off from the Box Office, though prices will increase by £2 if bought in person after 4pm.
Can't make the game? Supporters can WATCH this fixture live on iFollow MK Dons for £10 - to purchase a Video Match Pass CLICK HERE!
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 after.
