MK Donsvs.Cheltenham

MK Dons are in sixth place with 24 points from 15 games and occupy the third of four promotion playoff spots, while the away side are 16th with 18 points after 15 matches and drew 1-1 with Bromley on November 9.

Match preview

The home team emerged as 3-1 victors against Swindon Town on Saturday in the league last weekend, a match in which Swindon had taken a 1-0 lead in the first minute.

MK Dons produced 18 shots, 11 attempts on target and created six big chances compared to their opponents' 11 shots, three efforts on target and two big chances.

It should be noted that the Dons' goalkeeper has had to make 3.7 saves per match, the joint second highest figure in the division.

Scott Lindsey has been in charge of the club since September 2024, and his team have scored 24 times and conceded on 17 occasions, and these records make them the division's third best offensive and joint 10th best defensive side.

Lindsey's team have lost two of their three most recent games, though they did win the three prior matches by an aggregate score of 8-3 and have won their last four League Two matches.

MK Dons' home form is mixed considering they have been defeated in three and triumphed in three of their last six fixtures at Stadium MK.

As for the visitors, they will likely come into Saturday's game disappointed given they failed to claim all three points against Bromley despite having a player advantage from the 24th minute.

Manager Michael Flynn's side started the season in poor form, losing eight, drawing one and winning four of their first 13 games.

However, Flynn's team have since won five and drawn two of their seven most recent matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding five times.

The Robins overall return of 19 goals scored and 22 conceded in League Two makes them the division's joint ninth best offensive and joint sixth worst defensive club.

Cheltenham's record away from home in recent weeks has been strong, getting the better of their opponents on the road in each of their last three away games.

MK Dons League Two form:

D

L

W

W

W

W

MK Dons form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

W

L

Cheltenham Town League Two form:

L

L

W

D

W

D

Cheltenham Town form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

W

D

Team News

The hosts lined up in a 3-4-3 formation against Swindon, and it would not be surprising if they used a similar system, so expect centre-backs Luke Offord, Jordan Williams and Laurence Maguire to play in front of goalkeeper Tom McGill.

Joe White and Kane Thompson-Sommers partnered each other in midfield and they will likely be asked to protect the defensive line once again.

MK Dons may also select an attack consisting of Stephen Wearne, Alex Gilbey and Scott Hogan.

As for Cheltenham, they started with a base 4-2-3-1 system against Bromley, with Joel Colwill operating behind striker George Miller.

Midfielders Liam Kinsella and Luke Young could be selected to start in a double pivot, while wingers Ethon Archer and Jordan Thomas may also feature.

Goalkeeper Joe Day is almost certain to appear in the starting lineup, as are centre-backs Sam Stubbs and Scot Bennett.

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

McGill; Offord, Williams, Maguire; Nemane, White, Thompson-Sommers, Tomlinson; Wearne, Gilbey, Hogan

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Day; Payne, Stubbs, Bennett, Bradbury; Kinsella, Young; Thomas, Colwill, Archer; Miller

We say: MK Dons 2-2 Cheltenham Town

Both teams are in good form, and it is difficult to pick a winner based on their showings in recent weeks.

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