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

The hosts kicked off their campaign with a victory away against Wrexham last weekend, but the visitors did not get off to the best of starts, losing 2-1 at home to Barrow.

Match preview

Having been relegated from League One last season, MK Dons got off to the perfect start to life back in the fourth tier, winning 5-3 away at Wrexham to spoil the party on the day of their opponents' return to the EFL.

Graham Alexander's side went 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes, eventually going on to win the game 5-3, with strike partners Jonathan Leko and Mohamed Eisa both getting on the scoresheet.

Courtesy of the victory at the StoK Cae Ras, the Dons are currently sitting third in the table, inside the automatic promotion places, which is where they will no doubt be aiming to finish at the end of the season.

After winning their first league game of the season, MK Dons took on Wycombe Wanderers at home in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, but they came up short against their League One opponents, with Brandon Hanlan and Chris Forino-Joseph scoring late goals to seal a 2-0 win.

Unlike their opponents, Tranmere Rovers did manage to progress against League One opposition in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night, defeating Barnsley away from home to set up a second-round clash with Leicester City at Prenton Park.

Luke Norris and Sam Taylor found the back of the net, with Tranmere twice taking the lead, only to concede a 98th-minute equaliser, but they ultimately managed to prevail on penalties, with Jack Shepherd skying the crucial spot-kick for Barnsley in sudden death.

It was a very solid performance for the Rovers, and it could be a morale-boosting result, fresh off the back of what was a disappointing opening day result, losing 2-1 at home against Barrow.

In fairness, the scoreline probably flattered the Bluebirds, who were simply more clinical than Ian Dawes's side, but it is never good to kick off the season with a defeat, and they will be looking to bounce back this weekend.

Tranmere have a very good recent record against MK Dons, winning four and losing one of the last five encounters between the two sides, the most notable of which coming in April 2019, prior to gaining promotion from League Two in the playoff final at Wembley.

MK Dons League Two form:

W

MK Dons form (all competitions):

Tranmere Rovers League Two form:

Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

After making a few changes to his side for the EFL Cup game in midweek, Alexander may well revert to the same team that defeated Wrexham on the opening day, with Ethan Robson slotting back in at central midfield, replacing Ashley Hunter.

Nineteen-year-old Brooklyn Ilunga was given the nod at left-wing back on Tuesday night, but the more experienced Daniel Harvie is expected to return to the starting lineup.

After their goal-scoring exploits on the opening day, Eisa and Leko are poised to lead the line for Alexander's side.

As for Tranmere, Dawes may give Norris and Taylor starts in attack, given that they both got on the scoresheet on Tuesday night, with Krystian Dennis and potentially Reece McAlear coming out of the side.

Jordan Turnbull was rested for the trip to Oakwell, but the 28-year-old could replace Josef Yarney at centre-back, partnering captain Tom Davies.

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

MacGillivray; Tucker, O'Hora, Smith; Norman, Robson, Gilbey, Williams, Harvie; Leko, Eisa

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; O'Connor, Davies, Turnbull, Leake; Morris, Lewis, Hendry, Hawkes; Norris, Taylor

We say: MK Dons 2-1 Tranmere Rovers

MK Dons were clinical on the front foot against Wrexham on the opening day, and we expect them to make it two wins from two at the start of their first campaign back in the fourth tier.

Tranmere Rovers showed they have got real quality during their victory against Barnsley on Tuesday night, but we think they will come up just short away at one of the promotion favourites.

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