Preview: Bristol Rovers vs. MK Dons - prediction, team news, lineups

The Gas are currently 12th in the table, having acquired 37 points from 28 games, while the Dons are in 20th place, outside the relegation zone by goal difference alone.

Match preview

Considering they only gained promotion from League Two last season, Bristol Rovers have had a very good campaign, well clear of being drawn into any relegation trouble, now sitting 12 points clear of 21st-placed Accrington Stanley.

After a 2-1 victory away at Cambridge United in early January, the Gas rose to eighth in League One, just three points adrift of the playoff places, although their recent performances have not been up to the same standard.

Joey Barton's side had what appeared to be very favourable fixtures in their last two matches, but they lost 2-0 away at Accrington, having dominated the game, before suffering a very heavy 5-1 defeat at 19th-placed Morecambe last time out.

The most recent match will be of particular concern for Barton, as it adds to his side's already dismal defensive record in League One this season, conceding a total of 50 goals, the third-highest amount of any team in the division.

However, the manager could not ask for a better game for Bristol Rovers to turn around their poor form, considering they have already beaten Saturday's opponents twice this season, running out resounding 4-1 winners in the EFL Trophy back in December.

Former MK Dons boss Liam Manning was dismissed from his post following a 2-1 home defeat to Fleetwood Town back in December, a result that left them 23rd in the table, having acquired just 15 points from 20 games, and things initially improved after his departure.

Under the helm of interim boss Dean Lewington, the Dons ran out 2-0 winners away at Portsmouth, before Mark Jackson was appointed and won his first game in charge, defeating relegation-threatened Forest Green Rovers 1-0 at Stadium MK.

In fairness, Jackson has had some very tough fixtures since taking charge of MK, coming up short in losses away at seventh-placed Peterborough and top-of-the-table Plymouth Argyle, but recent results have been more concerning.

The Dons are now on a two-game losing streak, despite dominating possession in both matches, first being defeated 1-0 by Shrewsbury Town at Stadium MK courtesy of an 89th-minute Tom Bayliss winner against the run of play.

Last time out, Jackson's side limited Exeter City to just two shots on target, but the Grecians were clinical, running out 2-0 winners thanks to a brace from Jevani Brown.

Bristol Rovers League One form:

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Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

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MK Dons League One form:

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Team News

Bristol Rovers have a whole host of injury issues to contend with, predominantly in the midfield, with Jordan Rossiter and Josh Grant both missing in the engine room, so Paul Coutts should keep his place, playing alongside Luke McCormick.

Barton may choose to bring in some fresh faces after the very disappointing defeat in the last match, with John Marquis returning at striker, having replaced Josh Coburn for the final 20 minutes against Morecambe.

Marquis' strike partner is one player that is poised for a start, with Aaron Collins scoring an incredible 14 goals in League One this season, the second-highest total in the division, and he has also weighed in with 10 assists.

As for MK Dons, Ethan Robson has missed the last three games with an injury issue, so Paris Maghoma, Bradley Johnson and Dawson Devoy are set to make up the midfield trio.

Sullay Kaikai completed a switch to Stadium MK from Wycombe Wanderers in January, and he is poised for a start on the left-wing, with Jonathan Leko on the other side, playing provider for Mohamed Eisa.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Balcombe; Gibbons, Connolly, Quansah; Evans, Coutts, McCormick, Hoole, Sinclair; Marquis, Collins

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

Cumming; Watson, Tucker, Jules, Harvis; Maghoma, Johnson, Devoy; Leko, Kaikai, Eisa

We say: Bristol Rovers 3-2 MK Dons

While both sides have not been in the best of form, losing their last two matches in League One, Bristol Rovers should have enough about them to get their season back on track with three points.

Given the Gas' poor defensive record, it is unlikely that they keep a clean sheet, but Collins's quality in front of goal gives them the edge in what is likely to be a free-scoring game.

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