Our preview ahead off the short trip up to MK.
Milton Keynes
Sky Bet League 1
1ST Stadium MK, Denbigh, Milton Keynes, MK1
Kick-off: 3pm
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c, Cloudy with sunny spells.oWeather forecast: 17
Referee: Andy Woolmer
Boro will be hoping to get back on track as they travel to Stadium MK on Saturday, after last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Carlisle. Milton Keynes will be looking to bounce back themselves after losing 3-1 to Peterborough, despite them only having 9 men.
Last time we met:
.thThe most recent meeting between the two sides saw MK Dons win 2-0 at The Lamex Stadium in the final game of the 2012/13 season. Chelsea loanee Patrick Bamford headed in Shaun Williams’ cross from close range to give the Dons the lead whilst Ryan Lowe then rounded Chris Day after dispossessing Mark Roberts 10 minutes after coming off the bench. James Dunne and Roberts had chances to score but found Ian McLoughlin in good form. The visitors took all three points and finished in the top 10 whilst Stevenage finished in 18
Boro: Day, Gray, Charles, Roberts, Ngala (Ehmer), Dunne, Ball (Tansey), Mahon, Haber, Akins (N’Guissan), Freeman.
Subs: Arnold, Smith, Grant, Hoskins.
Team news:
Darius Charles has a chance of making the match-day squad and Lucas Akins has finally started warming up with the first-team after a long spell out. It’s unlikely he’ll make the team but he’s close to being back to fitness.
Samir Carruthers is a doubt after picking up a neck injury in last weekend’s game with Peterborough but Patrick Bamford endured a bruising afternoon but should be fine to play on Saturday. The biggest news is that winger, Daniel Powell is on course to return after an ankle injury has meant he's been out for the whole season. Top-scorer from the last two seasons, Dean Bowditch has also been kept out all season with a groin operation, but could make his first appearance on the bench this weekend.
The MK Dons Scout Report
Recent form:
The Dons have started the season well, without being spectacular. The club have spent many of the last few years chasing promotion without success, and will need to turn more of their draws into wins if they are to achieve their dream this season. Despite only losing once this season (last weekend’s game at Peterborough), the Dons have drawn 4 of their 8 games. The team are unbeaten at home though and will be full of confidence, knowing a win would take them into the play-off places.
Key man:
Talented forward Patrick Bamford is back at MK Dons for a third loan spell and has started the season well with six goals to his name. The 19-year old had two loan periods at stadium:mk last season, scoring four times in 17 games, but having returned to the club this summer until January 2014 from parent club Chelsea the youngster has scored against Crewe, Bristol City, Swindon, Notts County, Sunderland and Northampton.